▲ Hair loss treatment
As some in the medical community continue to oppose the plan to apply national health insurance coverage to hair loss treatments for young adults, voices from civil society have also called for a cautious approach.
In a statement, the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union (KHMU) said, "We do not take the reality faced by those suffering from hair loss lightly," but argued that policies must be pursued with the principles of the national health insurance system as a priority.
The KHMU emphasized, "National health insurance is a system of social solidarity where everyone shares the burden of disease risks with collective funds," adding, "The government must present evidence and principles, and stop public discussions that lack detailed design and financial projections."
The union stated, "At this stage, it is not appropriate to rush into a decision for broad general coverage (for hair loss treatments) for all age groups or specific age groups," and urged, "The government should first transparently disclose non-covered drug prices, consultation fees, and prescription costs, and increase accessibility to low-cost generic drugs."
It further added, "If it is determined that health insurance coverage is necessary, the scope should be limited based on criteria such as the type of hair loss, severity, early onset, and medical necessity, rather than just age. We should first consider a selective coverage system with a high co-payment rate or a pilot project with limited duration and participants."
The organization also stressed, "We cannot ignore the financial situation of the national health insurance," adding, "While there is uncertainty in financial forecasts, it is clear that when deciding on new expenditures for health insurance, the opportunity cost and sustainability must be strictly considered."
According to projections by the National Assembly Budget Office cited by the KHMU, if medical reform investment plans are reflected, the national health insurance balance is expected to shift to a deficit of 5.2 trillion won this year, with accumulated reserves projected to be exhausted by 2029.
(Photo: Yonhap News TV capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.