Regulatory Updates

A grade‑5 NHIS staff accessed family and others’ personal data 62 times between Dec 2020 and Nov 2023; a three‑month suspension was imposed in May 2024.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association will host a large rally on June 20 in Gwanghwamun, uniting pharmacists and pharmacy students to oppose the government's telemedicine and prescription‑delivery expansion, while also raising concerns about platform‑driven medical commercialization and health‑insurance financing.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association calls for dropping in‑hospital compounding of abortion induction drugs and pushing for health‑insurance reimbursement, warning against utilization barriers.

Lee Yoon-hak, appointed head of drug price negotiations at Korea’s Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, vows to boost essential medicine access, foster new‑drug development and ensure rational post‑pricing management.

A Korean lawmaker urged the government to lift caps on IVF and IUI coverage under national health insurance, citing patient cost barriers and the need for case‑by‑case care.

The KPA’s Emergency Committee held its first operating and execution meetings to plan actions against the government’s push to broaden prescription drug delivery for telemedicine.

With coverage extending to severe type‑2 diabetes, groups call for a shift from upfront payment to direct co‑payment at pharmacies for CGM and insulin pump devices.

Chair Kang Cheong-hee announces AI-driven reforms, electronic prescription system and telemedicine preparations to ensure Korea's health insurance financial sustainability.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare will extend coverage of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors to severe type 2 diabetes patients with pancreatic dysfunction starting December.

The National Health Insurance Labor Union criticized the government's decision to keep the 2027 health insurance contribution rate unchanged, warning it could accelerate financial deterioration amid rising medical demand.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare approved a pilot to cut the health‑insurance listing window for rare disease treatments from 240 days to up to 100 days and simplify reimbursement procedures.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare confirmed the 2027 health insurance premium rate will remain at 7.19% for both employee and regional subscribers, keeping the property premium score at 211.5 won.