Nursing services for at-home death are expected to be covered under at-home healthcare insurance.

Rep. Heo Seong-moo of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, introduced five bills on Wednesday, including the Amendment to the Long-Term Care Insurance Act for the Elderly.

Korea has recently entered an ultra-aged society, increasing interest in “well-dying”—ending life without physical or mental pain while preserving dignity and values. However, options for where and how to spend one’s final moments remain limited.

Most elderly individuals who wish to spend their final moments at home—due to the limited availability of hospice wards and home hospice services—often pass away in nursing homes, nursing hospitals, or intensive care units (ICUs) due to insufficient medical and care services..

The amendment adds end-of-life care to the home benefit under long-term care insurance for the elderly. The cost of end-of-life care, provided for a period determined by presidential decree as the minimum necessary for a dignified death, will not be counted against the monthly limit of the long-term care benefit.

It also mandates that a nurse meeting specific qualifications oversee end-of-life care to help ensure a peaceful passing.