Assemblyman Kim Hankyu Secures Legal Basis for Introduction of "Quasi-Veterans Hospital" in Jeju... Eight Bills Passed by National Assembly

Resolving Medical Blind Spots in Jeju and Gangwon Due to Absence of Veterans Hospitals
Utilizing Regional Medical Centers and National University Hospitals
"Improving the Medical System for Veterans' Families in Island Regions"

Kim Hankyu, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea (Jeju-si Eul)

Going forward, regions without veterans hospitals, such as Jeju and Gangwon, will also be able to access the same level of medical benefits as those available at veterans hospitals.

Kim Hankyu, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea (Jeju-si Eul), announced on January 29 that eight legislative amendment bills, centered on the introduction of "quasi-veterans hospitals" in areas lacking veterans hospitals, have been passed in a package at the National Assembly plenary session.

With the passage of these bills, the regional imbalance in veterans medical services, which had been concentrated in only six major cities nationwide, will be addressed, and medical accessibility for veterans' families, including residents of Jeju, is expected to improve dramatically.

Until now, Jeju has been structurally excluded from adequate medical care due to its geographical nature as an island and the absence of a veterans hospital. Although the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs had designated and operated commissioned hospitals to compensate for this, there have been ongoing criticisms that the benefits were insufficient, as eligibility was limited and non-covered medical items were not supported.

To resolve these issues, Assemblyman Kim made the introduction of "quasi-veterans hospitals" a key pledge during the 2024 general election. The recently passed amendments provide a legal basis for designating reputable regional medical centers or national university hospitals as "quasi-veterans hospitals," enabling them to offer the same medical services as existing veterans hospitals.

Once implemented, not only those eligible for government-funded treatment (such as distinguished veterans) but also those eligible for reduced-cost treatment (including non-distinguished veterans, spouses, and primary surviving family members) will benefit. In particular, benefits such as full coverage or discounts for both covered and non-covered medical expenses, including medication costs-which had been difficult to receive at commissioned hospitals-will be applied in the same way as at veterans hospitals.

Assemblyman Kim expressed his delight, stating, "I am very pleased that a system equivalent to a veterans hospital is being introduced in Jeju, which had been excluded from veterans medical benefits simply because it is an island." He added, "The passage of this bill marks a meaningful first step toward realizing President Lee Jaemyung's vision of a nation where sacrifices for the country and community are rewarded appropriately."

With the passage of these amendments, national merit recipients and their families in medically underserved regions such as Jeju and Gangwon will be able to access high-quality medical services near their homes without financial burden, which is expected to greatly contribute to improving their quality of life.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.