Current Status of Home-Healthcare Pilot Programs in South Korea and Policy Discussions for Institutionalization
Author(s)
Jinhee Moon, Master of pulic health1, sungwon jung, PhD2.
1Vantive Korea, Seoul, Korea, Republic of, 2Director, Vantive Korea, Seoul, Korea, Republic of.
1Vantive Korea, Seoul, Korea, Republic of, 2Director, Vantive Korea, Seoul, Korea, Republic of.
OBJECTIVES: South Korea is experiencing rapid population aging, leading to an increased demand for home healthcare services. But, Korean healthcare system is not yet fully prepared for the active institutionalization of home healthcare and remains at the pilot program level. This study aims to examine the current government-driven home healthcare pilot programs, analyze their characteristics and limitations, and discuss further directions for home healthcare policy.
METHODS: A comprehensive review of the Korean government’s policy on homecare treatment was conducted by examining grey literature, including reports and announcements from key institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the National Health Insurance Service, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Additionally, scholarly articles written in Korean that include Korea’s homecare treatment policy were reviewed.
RESULTS:
The south Korean government is conducting seven disease-specific home healthcare pilot programs, starting in December 2019 with peritoneal dialysis home care. Although nine pilot programs were initially planned, one program for pregnant women in childbirth-vulnerable areas was discontinued due to low participation and effectiveness concerns. The eight ongoing programs focus on conditions like peritoneal dialysis, type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, and cancer care. These programs follow a unified reimbursement system and aim to offer tailored home-based care, improving accessibility and reducing healthcare facility burdens. They are structured similarly to address specific medical needs of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: South Korea’s home healthcare pilot programs have shown positive outcomes but remain limited due to rigid structures that don't fully address the diverse needs of patients. The current models fail to adapt to specific diseases and clinical situations. To move towards systematic implementation, new reimbursement systems and care models are needed. Additionally, integrating digital health tools for better communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for improved care delivery.
METHODS: A comprehensive review of the Korean government’s policy on homecare treatment was conducted by examining grey literature, including reports and announcements from key institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the National Health Insurance Service, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Additionally, scholarly articles written in Korean that include Korea’s homecare treatment policy were reviewed.
RESULTS:
The south Korean government is conducting seven disease-specific home healthcare pilot programs, starting in December 2019 with peritoneal dialysis home care. Although nine pilot programs were initially planned, one program for pregnant women in childbirth-vulnerable areas was discontinued due to low participation and effectiveness concerns. The eight ongoing programs focus on conditions like peritoneal dialysis, type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, and cancer care. These programs follow a unified reimbursement system and aim to offer tailored home-based care, improving accessibility and reducing healthcare facility burdens. They are structured similarly to address specific medical needs of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: South Korea’s home healthcare pilot programs have shown positive outcomes but remain limited due to rigid structures that don't fully address the diverse needs of patients. The current models fail to adapt to specific diseases and clinical situations. To move towards systematic implementation, new reimbursement systems and care models are needed. Additionally, integrating digital health tools for better communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for improved care delivery.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR52
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Real World Data & Information Systems
Topic Subcategory
Public Spending & National Health Expenditures
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), Oncology, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory), Urinary/Kidney Disorders