Rep. Lee Gaeho Dismisses Claims of Foreigners "Abusing Health Insurance Funds" as "Fake News"

Criticism of Some Politicians for Fueling Anti-China Sentiment

Lee Gaeho

Lee Gaeho, a member of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province), dismissed as “blatant fake news” the claim raised by some People Power Party lawmakers during the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s parliamentary audit on October 14. The claim alleged that “a foreign national paid less than 20,000 won in health insurance premiums and received nearly 70 million won in health insurance benefits,” referring to what they called the “health insurance tax abuse by foreigners.”

Lee pointed out, “Responsible politicians are repeatedly making claims that are inconsistent with the facts and are fueling anti-China sentiment,” and emphasized, “The assertion that foreigners are exploiting national tax money for benefits is completely untrue.”

Jung Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare, who attended the audit that day, also responded, “Currently, the overall health insurance finances for foreigners are in surplus, and Chinese nationals alone recorded a surplus of 5.5 billion won last year.” She added, “The eligibility period for foreigners to enroll in health insurance has also been strengthened from three months to six months.”

Lee reiterated, “This is blatant fake news. The government must provide accurate information to the public to prevent misunderstandings,” to which Minister Jung replied, “We will transparently disclose the fiscal balance every year.”