Compiled from wire services The health ministry on Tuesday mapped out a medical reform plan that would increase the burden on employed workers and the elderly. The ministry submitted the plan to the tripartite ruling bloc Tuesday afternoon and hopes to implement it in October 2002. But the plan is expected to draw fire in light of the nation's dire fiscal conditions.
It would require employees under 70 years old to bear 30 percent of their medical costs under their health insurance programs, up from the current 20 percent.
It calls for raising the eligibility age for elderly medical insurance, which allows patients to pay only 10 percent of expenses, to 75 from the present 70 over a five-year period beginning in fiscal 2002. Those aged 70 to 74 would be required to pay 20 percent of their medical costs.