Kim Jae-seop Proposes ‘Veterans’ Indemnity Insurance Act’ to Ease Worries About Treatment Costs After Discharge

[Financial News] A “Veterans’ Indemnity Insurance Act” is being pursued to ensure that young people who suffer illness or injury during military service can receive treatment after discharge. The aim is to amend relevant laws so that young people’s right to health remains protected after discharge.
Rep. Kim Jae-seop of the People Power Party said on the 2nd that he had introduced as lead sponsor an amendment to the Act on Support for Discharged Service Members.
Young people who need treatment after discharge currently bear the burden of medical expenses. Given the nature of military service, they are more likely to be exposed to physical and mental risks, but concerns have been raised that there are not enough practical measures to support their healthy reintegration into society after discharge. Support is also lacking for those who are discharged before fully recovering from injuries sustained during service, as well as for those who develop aftereffects after discharge that they did not recognize while serving.
The amendment was introduced on the grounds that institutional support is needed to ensure young people do not face health-related difficulties as they return to society, given that those in their 20s serve as active-duty soldiers in dedication to their country. It provides for the introduction of a group indemnity insurance system to support treatment for illnesses and injuries for a set period after discharge, covering active-duty soldiers and full-time reserve personnel.
Under the amendment, the minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs must take necessary measures, including arranging insurance coverage and providing premium support, to help discharged service members return to society in good health. When needed to operate the insurance, the minister may obtain military service information and other data from relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of National Defense. The amendment also establishes a basis for entering into contracts with insurance companies and outsourcing related work.
Rep. Kim Jae-seop stressed, “If military service is a duty of young people, then helping them return to society in good health is the state’s duty. Injuries sustained during military service or aftereffects that emerge later must not stand in the way of young people’s fresh start. We will establish a safety net that allows them to receive treatment even after discharge, so that young people who defended the country can return to society without worrying about medical expenses.”

[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Reporter