title: The health insurance system in Korea and its implications.
abstract: The national health insurance system was introduced in Korea in 1977 and achieved universal coverage in July 1989. This article briefly describes the general features of the insurance scheme: coverage, management, benefit package, financing provision of medical services and method of reimbursement. Generally speaking, the system mirrors that of the German and Japanese experiences. Although the Korean health insurance system achieved universal coverage during a remarkably short time-span, there is much room for improvement. In this regard, the article also highlights the problems related to Korea's health insurance system and the attempts to improve equity and efficiency in both financing and provision of services.
authors.affiliation: Korean Institute of Health Services Management.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D007723:Korea; D009313:National Health Programs; D017149:Private Sector; D011640:Public Policy; D017150:Public Sector; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D018855:Single-Payer System; D014600:Utilization Review