Hair loss should be under greater national health insurance coverage, South Korean President Lee

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has asked the government to review whether treatment for hereditary hair loss should be covered by the national health insurance system. Speaking during a live-streamed year-end policy briefing on December 16, he said that many young people now see hair loss treatment as “a matter of survival,” rather than just a cosmetic issue.

Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong explained that treatments for hair loss caused by medical conditions are already covered by insurance. However, hereditary hair loss is not included because it is not considered life-threatening or symptomatic. President Lee questioned whether hereditary hair loss should truly be excluded simply because it is not officially defined as a disease.

Lee suggested that limiting the number of insurance claims for hair loss treatment could help reduce the financial burden on the national health system. He also mentioned that similar insurance coverage could apply to conditions like obesity, noting that surgery is already covered while drug treatment is not. Lee added that many young people feel socially excluded and believe they do not benefit enough from government medical support.

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hair-loss-should-be-under-greater-national-health-insurance-coverage-south-korean-president?ref=asia

Comprehension

What did President Lee Jae Myung ask the government to review?
Why do some young people consider hair loss treatment a “matter of survival”?
What type of hair loss treatment is currently covered by national health insurance?
Why is hereditary hair loss not covered under the insurance system?
What solution did President Lee suggest to reduce financial pressure on the health system?

Discussion

Do you agree that hereditary hair loss should be covered by national health insurance? Why or why not?
Should medical insurance cover treatments that affect mental or emotional well-being, even if they are not life-threatening?
How might hair loss affect young people socially or emotionally?
Is limiting the number of insurance claims a fair solution? Why or why not?
Should treatments for conditions like obesity be treated the same way as other medical conditions?

Vocabulary

Hereditary – passed down from parents to children through family genes.
Mandatory – required by law or rules; something that people must do.
Cosmetic – related to improving appearance rather than treating a medical problem.
Life-threatening – serious enough to cause death if not treated.
Ostracized – excluded or ignored by society or a group.