Nursing services for home death are expected to be covered by home health insurance.
South Korean Democratic Rep. Huo Sung-moo, a member of the National Assembly Special Committee on Budgets and Accounts, introduced five bills on Wednesday, including amendments to the Long-Term Care Insurance Act.
South Korea has recently entered an over-age society, raising interest in “incubating well” while maintaining dignity and value, while protecting a life without physical or mental pain. However, options for where and how to spend the final moments remain limited.
Due to limited availability of hospice wards and home hospice services, most seniors who want to spend their last moments at home often die in nursing homes, nursing hospitals, or intensive care units (ICUs) due to inadequate medical services.
This amendment adds end-of-life care to household benefits under long-term care insurance for seniors. The cost of end-of-life care provided over a period determined by the executive order as the minimum required for a dignified death will not be counted against the monthly limit on long-term care benefits.
Additionally, nurses must be able to oversee end-of-life care to ensure peaceful passage of the nurse.
