An Analysis for the Multimorbidity Patterns and Healthcare Cost Using the Korea Health Panel Survey

Abstract

As the population ages and the incidence of chornic diseases increases, cases with two more more chronic conditions are increasingly becoming common. Unless they are well managed, multimorbidity cases can exacerbate, lower the quality of life of the affected, and increase medical expenditure. To examine the types of multimorbidity and the patterns of medical expenditure, this study analyzed data from the 2nd New Korea Health Panel Study in 2019. The prevalence of multimorbidity was high in the elderly over 65, and the larger the number of their chronic comorbidities, the higher their medical expenses. Our analysis points to the need for policy interventions in multimorbidity. The elderly have low health literacy and they often have difficulty moving around due to joint diseases. As it is difficult for them to visit multiple departments to manage various chronic diseases, it is necessary to establish a patient-centered integrated care system. Furthermore, a policy to increase the competency to manage multimorbidity is needed by early intervention for young adults and middle-aged patients with chronic diseases, who are the potential elderly patients with multimorbidity.