The Ministry of Health and Welfare Selects 5 ‘Small but Certain Innovations’ Projects for June-July
“Health insurance premiums that have been deferred due to leaves of absence can now be paid in installments over 12 periods. The ‘Healthy Care Playground,’ a health promotion program for children and adolescents, will expand its participation target to include up to 4th grade elementary students.”
“The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 25th that it has selected and will implement five ‘Small but Certain Innovation’ projects in the health sector that are scheduled for June to July.”
“Through these innovation projects, the ministry aims to improve the installment payment system for health insurance premiums. From July, if the deferred insurance premium due to a leave of absence is more than the minimum premium (21,060 won as of 2026), the number of installment payments will be adjusted from the current 10 to a maximum of 12. Previously, installment payment could only be requested if the amount exceeded ‘one month’s insurance premium per person’.”
“The ‘Healthy Care Playground,’ a program for preventing obesity and promoting healthy habits among children, will also expand its participation. Previously, only 1st and 2nd grade elementary students who used after-school care services or local children’s centers could participate. Starting in July, 1st to 4th grade students who use after-school care services, local children’s centers, child-only facilities, child care institutions, or child protection agencies can participate in this program.”
“The referral and return system for managing the health of people with disabilities will also be improved. So far, electronic referrals and returns for patients discharged from disability health and medical centers have been operated primarily through 1,482 public health centers. From June, the system will expand to allow referrals to 16 public health institutes and 131 health promotion centers through the Regional Health Information System (PHIS). The ministry anticipates that post-discharge health monitoring, education, and community rehabilitation linkage for patients with disabilities will become more streamlined.”
“Administrative procedures for herbalists will also be simplified starting in July. The exemption from continuing education for herbalists will no longer require direct application to the Korean Herbalists Association. In addition, notification services such as text messages will be provided to prevent the suspension of license validity for those who do not participate or delay in participating in license surveys after issuance.”
“The ‘Small but Certain Innovations’ projects aim to improve people’s lives through small but proactive efforts such as guideline revisions, authoritative interpretations, and interagency cooperation. In the first quarter, 25 projects were carried out, including extending the notification period for infertility treatment support decisions (from 3 to 6 months), exempting disability and basic pension compensation in declared special disaster areas, and allowing online applications for disability assistance devices.”
A spokesperson from the ministry stated, “We will continue to pursue innovative administration that the public can truly feel.”