From January 2025, the out-of-pocket payment for the “definite diagnosis” of depression and early psychosis will be supported for people suspected of having these mental illnesses through the national health examination.

On Thursday, the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee held its 23rd meeting this year, deliberating and approving the “matters concerning the support of the first co-payment for the follow-up mental health checkup within the national health examination program.”

Accordingly, the out-of-pocket payment for medical expenses for confirmation of suspected depression and early psychosis at the national health examination will be supported.

The scope of support includes one consultation fee, one symptom and behavior assessment test, and one individual psychotherapy. The deadline for use is Jan. 31 of the year following the health checkup.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimated that it would cost 5.51 billion won ($3.95 million), 4.25 billion won for depression, and 1.26 billion won for early psychosis.

“The program will reduce medical and social costs in the long term by enabling faster recovery and social reintegration of patients through diagnosis and continued treatment of those suspected to be at risk based on medical examinations,” the ministry said.

The ministry plans to revise the relevant detailed notices and implement the support from January 2025.