Benefits Expanded Fourfold to Include Low-Income Middle-Aged Residents
Starting this month, Gwangjin District in Seoul will expand its "Implant and Denture Support Program" to assist basic livelihood security recipients with dental treatment costs.
This program provides financial support for implant and denture procedures to low-income, vulnerable individuals under the age of 65 who are not covered by national health insurance benefits. Gwangjin District is the first among Seoul's autonomous districts to allocate its own budget for this support. Last year, a total of 58 people received approximately 54 million KRW in assistance.
This year, the eligibility criteria have been significantly expanded. Previously, the benefits were limited to medical benefit recipients aged 60 to 64, but now the program includes livelihood, medical, and housing benefit recipients aged 50 to 64. As a result, the number of eligible applicants has increased fourfold, from 1,051 to 4,349.
The district will allocate a budget of 55 million KRW to support implant and denture procedure costs. For non-insured items, actual expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 1 million KRW per person per procedure, and the previous co-payment rate of 10 to 20 percent by eligibility category has been abolished.
Applications can be submitted during the procedure or within 60 days after the procedure is completed. However, patients with complete edentulism are not eligible for support. Residents who wish to apply should prepare the required documents, including the application form, receipt, and a copy of their bank account, and submit them in person at their local community center. For more information, contact the Social Welfare and Disabled Persons Division of Gwangjin District Office at 02-450-7516.
Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "We have expanded the eligibility to include people in their 50s so that more residents can receive dental treatment without financial burden, and I hope many will take advantage of this benefit." He added, "We will continue to closely monitor and implement welfare policies that provide practical assistance to residents, so that vulnerable groups can enjoy a healthier and happier daily life."
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