South Korea Launches Nationwide Home-Based Integrated Care System

South Korea Launches Nationwide Home-Based Integrated Care System

South Korea officially launched its Community-Based Integrated Care system (지역사회 통합돌봄) nationwide on March 27, 2026. This new initiative aims to allow elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and people with mental health conditions to receive essential medical, nursing, and care services directly in their homes, rather than relying on hospitals or specialized facilities. The system seeks to enhance the quality of life for those needing care by providing seamless, integrated support in a familiar environment.

The government’s decision to implement this system comes in response to South Korea’s rapidly aging population and the growing demand for comprehensive care. Previously, care services were often fragmented across different sectors such as medical, nursing, welfare, and housing, leading to service gaps and difficulties for patients transitioning from hospital to home. By integrating these services, the new system aims to prevent unnecessary re-admissions to medical facilities and support individuals in maintaining their independence and well-being within their communities.

Initially, the program targets elderly individuals who struggle with daily living, elderly persons with disabilities, and disabled individuals under 65 who have significant medical needs (such as those with physical or brain lesions). The government plans to gradually expand eligibility to include all persons with disabilities and those with mental health conditions in subsequent phases. The system will roll out in three stages: an “Introduction” phase (2026–2027), a “Stabilization” phase (2028–2029), and an “Advancement” phase (2030 onwards), with new services like home rehabilitation, nutritional support, and end-of-life care being introduced progressively.

Citizens can apply for the Community-Based Integrated Care system by visiting their local Eup/myeon/dong Administrative Welfare Centers (local government offices) or a branch of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in their residential area. Once deemed eligible, local government officials and NHIS representatives will conduct a home visit to assess the applicant’s needs and formulate a personalized support plan covering medical, nursing, and other care services. For those unable to apply in person, family members or authorized service providers can submit applications on their behalf. Due to the system’s recent launch, applicants should anticipate a processing time of approximately one to two months from application to the finalization of their personalized support plan.

In conjunction with the national rollout, Busan Metropolitan City is implementing its own adapted version, the “Busan-style Integrated Care”. This local model is designed to further strengthen the link between citizens and care institutions, addressing the unique challenges of a super-aging society and the rise in single-person households. Busan’s initiative expands eligibility from those at 70% of the median income to 100% of the median income, ensuring broader access to services. It also features an increase in specialized services, such as housing environment improvements and home exercise programs, and significantly expands infrastructure with more long-term care home medical centers (from 10 to 28) and hospitals linked for post-discharge care (to 82). This aims to create a more responsive and efficient care ecosystem for the city’s residents.

Source: 부산광역시 — Original Notice (Korean)