TL/DR –
US-based YouTuber Oliver Ssam has been criticised by some Korean commentators for suggesting he may move to Korea to benefit from the country’s public health system, sparking a wider debate about the sustainability of national health insurance in the face of an ageing population. Ssam has denied deciding to move to Korea following accusations of attempting to “free ride” on its health care system. This controversy has reignited political debates over foreign subscribers exploiting Korea’s national insurance program, despite National Health Insurance Service data showing coverage of foreign nationals yielding a surplus for eight consecutive years since 2017.
US YouTuber Oliver Ssam Faces Criticism Over Potential Move to Korea for Health Benefits
US-based YouTuber, Oliver Ssam, has faced backlash from Korean commentators for allegedly planning to move to Korea to exploit its public health system. This controversy has triggered wider concerns about the sustainability of national health insurance in the face of rapid ageing.
Personal Ties and Public Statement
Despite not mentioning Korea in his video criticizing the US healthcare system, speculation arose about his potential return due to his personal ties. Ssam worked in Korea from 2010 before returning to the US in 2018 and is married to a Korean citizen. Responding to accusations of intending to “free ride” Korea’s healthcare system, Ssam denied any decision to move to Korea.
Fuelled Misunderstanding and Disputes
Ssam’s commentary follows his previous video titled “We will give up for real… after eight years of settling in the US with a Korean wife,” critiquing high premiums and low-quality services of US health care providers. The speculation about his possible return has coincided with renewed political debates regarding foreign subscribers defrauding Korea’s national insurance program.
Political Debates and Health Insurance Fraud
In an October parliamentary audit, opposition lawmaker Choi Bo-yun urged prevention of losses linked to foreign enrollment. “In 2024, 1,700 foreign nationals committed insurance benefit fraud totaling 2.56 billion won, with most involving Chinese nationals,” stated Choi. Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong attributed most cases to employers failing to report the loss of eligibility promptly to the National Health Insurance Service.
The Outlook of Korea’s Insurance-Based Healthcare
While Korea’s healthcare system is lauded for its swift, cost-effective access, the system’s future is threatened by increased expenditure and a dwindling workforce. It is projected to be in deficit by 2026, with reserves possibly depleted by 2028. Experts and civic groups caution that focusing on foreign subscribers could distort the debate.
Insurance Coverage of Foreign Nationals
According to National Health Insurance Service data, foreign nationals’ coverage has produced a surplus for eight consecutive years since 2017, rising from 572.9 billion won in 2020 to 943.9 billion won in 2024. Coverage of Chinese nationals also turned into a surplus of 5.5 billion won after eligibility rules were tightened in April 2024.
Regulating Benefit Fraud
“Benefit fraud should be strictly regulated,” opined Lee Byoung-hoon, a sociology professor at Chung-Ang University. “However, people who come to Korea to work or marry — because the country needs them — should be covered by the national health insurance system.”
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