Korea to offer medical aid for young adults from orphanages, foster homes

South Korea will offer medical aid for young adults preparing to leave orphanages or foster homes after reaching the legal adulthood age. This group have had difficulty accessing medical services due to finances.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Sunday that younger adults with medical needs and who have left orphanages since the beginning of 2019 can apply for financial assistance online. The application process starts on Monday.

If eligible, the applicants will pay a mere 14 percent of the bill for inpatient and outpatient treatments or medicines, with the remainder to be covered by the government. There are no limits on the frequency and amount of medical expenses covered.

In the early days of adulthood, these young adults have relatively low incomes as they prepare to get a job or attend college. Even after securing a job, many encounter financial difficulties, especially those without support from their relatives.