Rep. Kwon Chil-Seung Pushes for Health Insurance Exceptions for Children
“These children are going to become citizens of our country through the nationality acquisition process, and we must not delay necessary treatment and care simply because administrative procedures have not been finalized,” Rep. Kwon Chil-seung said on the 12th.
The hearing addressed medical and childcare gaps affecting children born out of wedlock to Korean fathers and foreign mothers while they await paternity confirmation lawsuits and nationality procedures.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Children caught in nationality acquisition processes face severe delays in receiving mandatory infant health checks and emergency medical care.
- Surveys of 33 migrant women’s shelters found that eight of the 14 protected children undergoing nationality acquisition procedures missed their infant health checkups or experienced significant delays.
- Lawmakers and ministry officials are reviewing legislative amendments to the National Health Insurance Act to establish coverage special exceptions for these minors.
Save the Children and the National Coalition of Migrant Women’s Shelters conducted a joint investigation between September and October across 33 shelters for female migrant victims of violence, seou1.com reported.
The survey showed that out of 14 protected children living in these facilities over the preceding three years, eight children undergoing nationality acquisition procedures either missed their infant health checkups or experienced significant delays.
Some children failed to receive screenings by 16 months of age. Families also struggled to utilize social security computer management numbers at hospitals, leading to critical coverage gaps.
One child faced severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization after the biological father died, complicating family relationship verification and nationality acquisition.
Without health insurance coverage, the family faced substantial out-of-pocket inpatient hospital costs.
Jeon proposed revisions to the National Health Insurance Act, the Infant Care Act, and the Immigration Act to safeguard vulnerable minors.
Participants also highlighted the need for expanded administrative guidance, interpretation services, and childcare support tailored to caregivers’ circumstances.
Young-jin Chang, director of the insurance policy division at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, acknowledged the necessity of supporting the children while noting that officials must review the specific support mechanisms, suggesting separate budgetary projects as an alternative.
Do-hyun Joo, an administrative officer in the residency management division at the Ministry of Justice, stated that the government has improved residency and employment systems for paternity lawsuits.
Joo added that officials are reviewing plans to expand exemptions from reporting obligations under the Immigration Act regarding education and health duties for children.
Rep. Kwon is pursuing an amendment to the National Health Insurance Act to establish a special exception allowing children undergoing nationality acquisition through acknowledgment to enroll in health insurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.