People seeking treatment for minor ailments, such as the common cold, may soon have to pay more for services at large healthcare institutions than at smaller hospitals.<br />The health ministry is planning to revise the current Medical Care Assistance Act in order to prevent patients who are receiving government financial aid from seeking excessive medical treatment.<br />The revision, if passed, could take effect as early as next month.<br />Part of the plan involves increasing the amount a person pays for their medicine.<br />Under the revision, the amount paid by individuals eligible for aid would be raised to three-percent of medicine costs,... from the current 500 won or 43 U.S. cents.<br />An estimated one-point-four-million patients received government aid last year to help cover their medical expenses.
