건강보험 올 1분기 3조8989억 적자…6년 흑자 기조 ‘빨간불’

The national health insurance fund reported a deficit of 3.8989 trillion won in its first quarter of the year, marking a return to loss after six consecutive years of profitability. This financial reversal is attributed to structural impacts stemming from slow growth, aging population, and high medical utilization among the elderly.

The health insurance fund shortfall of 3.8989 trillion won in the first quarter of the year was recorded after the expenditure exceeded the income of 26.3405 trillion won. This marks the sixth year in a row that the fund has turned into a deficit, after being profitable in 2020 and 2021, and raising concerns over the need for significant government intervention.

The government's support for the fund, which is currently at 20% of the estimated insurance premium income annually (14% under general accounting principles and 6% under the National Health Promotion Fund), has not been consistently met since its inception in 2007, with the government failing to uphold the legally mandated level.

Experts suggest reforming the health insurance system to address the rising medical costs due to aging population, proposing measures such as expanding primary healthcare services and adjusting insurance premiums for high-income individuals and low-income families.