Aid Beneficiaries Research Articles

Unpacking the Ideology Effect of Public Leaders on Administrative Burdens

Research aim: Our aim in this paper is to explore the impact of leaders’ communication on the psychological dimensions of administrative burden, i.e., citizens’ levels of stress and stigma. Theoretical framework: During the pandemic, while many potential claimants of the financial emergency aid experienced administrative burdens to access the benefits, different public leaders worked to ensure that the aid reached those who needed it most, by communicating the criteria to assess the benefit. However, we observed that the role of public leadership tends to be overlooked in administrative burden literature. We adopted the administrative burden and public leadership literatures to compare the political andadministrative leaders, and a neutral with a right-wing leader. Research design: We employed a quantitative approach, using an online survey experiment with 135 beneficiaries of the emergency financial aid (“auxílio emergencial”). Results: Findings indicate that leaders’ communication decreased the psychological burden, but this impact was observed only for right-wing leaders on conservative citizens.Specifically, our findings indicate that leftist citizens experienced higher levels of burdens, suggesting that ideological congruence plays a crucial role in shaping the impact of leaders' communication on citizens' experiences. Originality: Previous literature on administrative burden has largely ignored how leaders’ communication alter citizens’ feelings of stigma and stress to request benefits, and our study advances by using new typology of leaders and their distinct impact on citizens’ burdens. Practical and theoretical contributions: Our research helps practitioners to understand ways of mitigating administrative burden through effective communication, advance knowledge about political congruency between citizens and leaders, and anticipates citizens’ behavior about claiming benefits in digital environments.

HONORÁRIOS SUCUMBENCIAIS NO DIREITO DO TRABALHO: ANÁLISE DA DECISÃO DA ADI 5.766

This article addresses the decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) in Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 5766, which declared the unconstitutionality of provisions in the Labor Reform related to the payment of court costs and expert and attorney fees by workers who are beneficiaries of free legal aid. The main objective is to analyze the impacts of this decision on access to justice and the implications it brings for the judicial system and labor relations. The methodology adopted was bibliographic in nature, focusing on the analysis of doctrinal works, academic articles, and judicial decisions. The research was guided by a central question: What are the impacts of the ADI 5766 decision regarding the exemption from costs and fees on access to justice for economically disadvantaged workers? In the theoretical framework, topics such as free legal aid, the constitutional right to access to justice, expert and attorney fees in labor law, and the changes brought by the 2017 Labor Reform were discussed. The STF's decision was analyzed in light of these concepts to understand its relevance for the effectiveness of labor rights and the possible consequences for the judicial system and the labor market. The conclusion emphasizes that the STF's decision represents a significant advance in protecting access to justice for workers in vulnerable situations by guaranteeing the exemption from procedural costs for those who lack financial means. The research concludes that the STF’s decision seeks to balance the right to free legal aid with the preservation of the integrity of the labor process, with impacts that must be monitored for workers, employers, and the judiciary.

Identifying potential medical aid beneficiaries using machine learning: A Korean Nationwide cohort study.

To identify potential medical aid beneficiaries using demographic and medical history of individuals and analyzing important features qualitatively. This retrospective, national cohort, case-control study included data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in Korea between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2019. Potential medical aid beneficiaries were classified using several machine learning models (linear models and tree-based models). Demographic data such as age, sex, region, insurance type, insurance fee, and medical history such as diagnosis, operation, statement, visits, and costs were collected. Those data were transformed into a one-dimensional vector for each individual, allowing machine learning models to learn. For feature importance calculation, we used the average gain across all splits for each feature. 274,635 individuals were finally included in the study population, and 62,501 were classified as potential medical aid beneficiaries. XGBoost successfully classified potential medical aid beneficiaries with an AUROC of around 0.891. Assuming predicting before two years, the performance was still significant with an AUROC of around 0.832. Economic variables, such as insurance fees and several costs, turned out to be the most important, but variables regarding medical status, such as the results of blood tests and history of chronic diseases, were also important. Machine learning-based models successfully screened potential medical aid beneficiaries. Qualitative analysis of important features well reflected prior knowledge regarding public health. These findings can contribute to the soundness of healthcare finance and the improvement of public health.

Factors Associated With Medical Expenses Among Long-Term Care Insurance Recipients Aged 65 Years or Older in Korea.

This study examined the factors associated with medical expenses among LTCI (long-term care insurance) recipients in Korea. Secondary data analysis was performed using the 2019 Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI) reimbursement data of I metropolitan city. Data from 52 434 older adults who were LTCI recipients and living in I metropolitan city areas were included. Based on the Andersen healthcare utilization model, the variables included the predisposing (age, sex, and living alone), enabling (health insurance and place of residence), and need factors (disability, LTC grade, use of LTCI services, and participation in health screening). All the predisposing, enabling, and need factors were significant. Older age, higher LTC grade, use of visiting nursing service, admission to an aged care facility, and participation in health screenings were negatively associated with medical expenses. Females, those living alone, non-disabled individuals, medical aid beneficiaries, and rural residents were less likely to incur medical expenses. Appropriate use of LTCI services (e.g., visiting nursing) will help reduce unnecessary medical expenses. Nevertheless, access to health care services for older adults living alone in rural areas must be improved.

The security implications of using feminist methodologies to study gender-based violence in Yemen.

This paper examines the political and security implications of gender-based violence (GBV) research in Yemen during the period (2019-2023). As various radical groups are gaining power over Yemeni land, radical views toward women and gender equity and equality shape the experiences of GBV survivors, practitioners, and researchers in the North of Yemen. Policing Houthi ideologies in Yemen have curtailed GBV research and subjected feminist research to myriad risks. If this situation continues, experiences of women and girls in Yemen will not be captured by research. Their stories and needs will not be captured by humanitarian and peace-building actors. Findings of this study are based on primary data from key informant interviews with 25 GBV researchers actively engaged in Yemen. Sampling followed the snowballing technique. The findings examine political and security power dynamics after the Houthi radical group took control in the north of Yemen, and implications on GBV research design. Anti-feminist ideologies coupled with extreme security measures have impacted quality of GBV study methodologies as well as researchers' safety and mobility. Donors of previously established GBV programs and research were harassed to change research topics or lose permission to speak to local communities or collect data from aid beneficiaries. Researchers who do not follow new rules of engagement with the community are detained, harassed and their devices and databases are confiscated. Terms like "gender" and "GBV" are not deemed acceptable as these are western concepts that do not align with new community values. The findings highlight the need to use conflict-sensitivity and Do No Harm principles in settings where GBV work is scrutinized. It also challenges the orthodox definition of "GBV evidence" and explores the ethical implications of the use of alternative means to collecting data. Findings also provide insight into valuable alternative methodologies that allow local and national researchers to continue studying GBV in conflict impacted areas without exposing themselves to actual or perceived risk. The paper proposes concrete approaches that can mitigate political and security risk on both researchers and GBV survivors.

STATE AID AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

This article explores the complex relationship between state aid and the evolution of economic environment, with a particular focus on the competitiveness of the regions where the aid beneficiaries activate. Many economic theories and ideas discuss the impact of state involvement on economic growth, emphasizing that excessive intervention can result in inefficiencies and distortions. However, targeted and strategic aid has the potential to stimulate economic growth, promote innovation, and address market failures. The paper compares EU regions with a high Competitiveness Index to those at the bottom of the competitiveness list, examining the volume and nature of aid provided to companies in these regions. The aim is to determine whether a direct relationship exists between aid and competitiveness. The findings generally confirm the previous research highlighting the beneficial effects of state aid on businesses' competitiveness, but with some original findings. We discovered that state aid supports the competitiveness of the beneficiaries, but some types of aid are more appropriate to sustain a company and make it more competitive. State aid promoting training, research, development, and innovative activities and infrastructure has greater potential to help companies become more competitive in the present global market.

An analysis of humanitarian and health aid harmonisation over a decade (2011–2019) of the Syrian conflict

IntroductionAid harmonisation is a key component of donor efforts to make aid more effective by improving coordination and simplifying and sharing information to avoid duplication. This study evaluates the harmonisation...

Disparities in Overall Survival Rates for Cancers across Income Levels in the Republic of Korea.

The overall survival rates among cancer patients have been improving. However, the increase in survival is not uniform across socioeconomic status. Thus, we investigated income disparities in the 5-year survival rate (5YSR) in cancer patients and the temporal trends. This study used a national cancer cohort from 2002 to 2018 that was established by linking the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claim database to calculate the cancer survival rate by income level in the Republic of Korea. Survival data were available from 2002 onward, and the analysis was based on the actuarial method. We compared the survival of the earliest available 5-year period of 2002-2006 and the latest available 5-year period of 2014-2018, observing until 31 December 2021. Income level was classified into six categories: Medical Aid beneficiaries and five NHIS subtypes according to insurance premium. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality were used to measure absolute and relative differences in 5YSR by income, respectively. The 5YSR between the 2002-2006 and 2014-2018 periods for all cancers improved. A significant improvement in 5-year survival rates (5YSR) over the study period was observed in lung, liver, and stomach cancer. The SII of survival rates for lung (17.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.0-28.1), liver (15.1, 95% CI 10.9-19.2), stomach (13.9, 95% CI 3.2-24.7), colorectal (11.4, 95% CI 0.9-22.0), and prostate (10.7, 95% CI 2.5-18.8) cancer was significantly higher, implying higher survival rates as income levels increased. The SII for lung, liver, and stomach cancer increased, while that of thyroid, breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer decreased over the study period. Although substantial improvement in the 5YSR was observed across cancer types and income levels from 2002 to 2018, this increase was not uniformly distributed across income levels. Our study revealed persistent income disparities in the survival of cancer patients, particularly for lung and liver cancer.

Socioeconomic disparities in alcohol-related depression: a national cohort study of low-income medical aid beneficiaries and national health insurance beneficiaries in Korea

ObjectiveTo examine the association between patterns of alcohol consumption in the past and the risk of depression among medical aid beneficiaries and National Health Insurance beneficiaries in Korea.MethodsWe used data from the National Health Information Database (NHID) of 1,292,618 participants who underwent health checkups in 2015–16 and 2017–18. We categorized alcohol consumption into four groups: continuous high, increased, decreased, and non-consumers. We followed the participants from 2019 to 2021 and identified new episodes of depression. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depression by alcohol consumption groups and socioeconomic status.ResultsMedical aid beneficiaries had higher risks of depression than National Health Insurance beneficiaries across all alcohol consumption groups. The highest risk was observed among continuous high consumers (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.36–3.93), followed by increased (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17–1.94), decreased (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18–1.84), and non-consumers (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22–1.54).ConclusionsSocioeconomic status and patterns of alcohol consumption in the past are associated with the risk of depression. Public health interventions should consider both factors to reduce alcohol-related depression and health inequalities.

Factors influencing hip fracture surgery after two days of hospitalization using a national administrative database

Globally, hip fractures represent a significant and growing public health concern, particularly as the elderly population increases. The timing for surgery following hospitalization for hip fractures is a crucial indicator of acute quality care following recommended surgical guidelines of within two days to minimize complications and mortality. However, factors influencing delayed surgery and its outcomes remain debated. This study, used a national administrative database in South Korea, aimed to examine surgery performed within two days of hospitalization and investigate factors affecting delayed surgical interventions and associated outcomes. Of the hip fracture patients analyzed, 40.6% underwent surgery within two days of hospitalization. Factors associated with delayed surgery included: male patients (OR 1.190; 95% CI 1.022 ~ 1.385), medical aid beneficiary (OR 1.385; 95% CI 1.120 ~ 1.713), higher comorbidity index (OR 1.365; 95% CI 1.163 ~ 1.603, OR 1.612, 95% CI 1.327 ~ 1.958), weekends admission (OR 2.384; 95% CI 2.804 ~ 2.729), admission via outpatient department (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.071 ~ 1.574). ORIF (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.691 ~ 0.980) was associated with a significantly low risk of late surgery. While early surgery did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality or complications, it was associated with short and postoperative lengths of stay. This study underscores the need for prompt surgical intervention, particularly in high-risk patient populations, as well as highlights the importance of further research to elucidate the relationship between the timing of surgery and postoperative outcomes.

Low household income increases risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in young population: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in South Korea

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the association between low household income and COPD in young populations remains unclear.MethodsWe screened individuals aged...

Beyond reducing direct medical cost: examining health outcomes in tuberculosis through a difference-in-differences analysis of South Korea’s out-of-pocket payment exception policy

BackgroundUniversal health coverage and social protection are major global goals for tuberculosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an expanded policy to guarantee out-of-pocket costs on the treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis.MethodsBy linking the national tuberculosis report and health insurance data and performing covariate-adjusted propensity-score matching, we constructed data on health insurance beneficiaries (treatment group) who benefited from the out-of-pocket payment exemption policy and medical aid beneficiaries as the control group. Using difference-in-differences analysis, we analyzed tuberculosis treatment completion rates and mortality in the treatment and control groups.ResultsA total of 41,219 persons (10,305 and 30,914 medical aid and health insurance beneficiaries, respectively) were included in the final analysis (men 59.6%, women 40.4%). Following the implementation of out-of-pocket payment exemption policy, treatment completion rates increased in both the treatment and control groups; however, there was no significant difference between the groups (coefficient, −0.01; standard error, 0.01). After the policy change, the difference in mortality between the groups increased, with mortality decreasing by approximately 3% more in the treatment group compared with in the control group (coefficient: −0.03, standard error, 0.01).ConclusionThere are limitations to improving treatment outcomes for tuberculosis with an out-of-pocket payment exemption policy alone. To improve treatment outcomes for tuberculosis and protect patients from financial distress due to the loss of income during treatment, it is essential to proactively implement complementary social protection policies.

Income variability and incident cardiovascular disease in diabetes: a population-based cohort study.

Longitudinal change in income is crucial in explaining cardiovascular health inequalities. However, there is limited evidence for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with income dynamics over time among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using a nationally representative sample from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 1 528 108 adults aged 30-64 with T2D and no history of CVD were included from 2009 to 2012 (mean follow-up of 7.3 years). Using monthly health insurance premium information, income levels were assessed annually for the baseline year and the four preceding years. Income variability was defined as the intraindividual standard deviation of the percent change in income over 5 years. The primary outcome was a composite event of incident fatal and nonfatal CVD (myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke) using insurance claims. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated after adjusting for potential confounders. High-income variability was associated with increased CVD risk (HRhighest vs. lowest quartile 1.25, 95% CI 1.22-1.27; Ptrend < .001). Individuals who experienced an income decline (4 years ago vs. baseline) had increased CVD risk, which was particularly notable when the income decreased to the lowest level (i.e. Medical Aid beneficiaries), regardless of their initial income status. Sustained low income (i.e. lowest income quartile) over 5 years was associated with increased CVD risk (HRn = 5 years vs. n = 0 years 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.41; Ptrend < .0001), whereas sustained high income (i.e. highest income quartile) was associated with decreased CVD risk (HRn = 5 years vs. n = 0 years 0.71, 95% CI 0.70-0.72; Ptrend < .0001). Sensitivity analyses, exploring potential mediators, such as lifestyle-related factors and obesity, supported the main results. Higher income variability, income declines, and sustained low income were associated with increased CVD risk. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms by which income dynamics impact CVD risk among individuals with T2D.

Polypharmacy and associated factors in South Korean elderly patients with dementia: An analysis using National Health Insurance claims data.

Dementia is accompanied by several symptoms, including cognitive function decline, as well as behavioral and psychological symptoms. Elderly patients with dementia often experience polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications, due to chronic comorbidities. However, research on polypharmacy in patients with dementia is limited. This study aimed to characterize polypharmacy and associated factors among elderly patients with dementia in South Korea, and compare the characteristics of patients with and without dementia patients. From the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-Senior cohort database, we extracted data on patients aged≥60 years who received outpatient treatment in 2019. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more different oral medications for ≥90 days; excessive polypharmacy referred to the concurrent use of ten or more different oral medications for ≥90 days. We compared the prevalence of polypharmacy between patients with and without and identified the associated factors using a logistic regression model. About 70.3% and 23.7% of patients with dementia exhibited polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy, respectively. After adjusting for conditions such as age and Charlson's comorbidity index, the likelihood of polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy significantly increased over time after the diagnosis of dementia. Additionally, under the same conditions, Medical Aid beneficiaries with dementia were more likely to experience polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy compared to patients with dementia covered by National Health Insurance (NHI). This study reports the latest evidence on the status and risk factors of polypharmacy in elderly patients with dementia. We proposed that careful monitoring and management are required for patients at high risk for polypharmacy.

Globalne Południe poza kulturową różnorodnością. Dyskurs wykluczenia w podręcznikach językowych

The aim of the article is to present the results of the analysis of the contents related to the Global South in language textbooks, which, due to the cultural aspects of teaching a foreign language, are of particular importance in intercultural education. The method of content analysis was used in the study, with inductive and deductive data coding in the Atlas.ti 7 program. The results show the ways of discursive exclusion of the Global South, characterized by one-sidedness and Eurocentrism noticeable in textbooks images of this world region. The collected data made it possible to distinguish such elements of the discourse of exclusion as victimization (linking the image of the Global South with various problems), exoticization (descriptions of the Global South in the context of traditional rituals or the richness of nature) and incapacitation (absence of representatives of the Global South in the texts or presenting them as passive beneficiaries of external aid). Despite the potential of shaping intercultural competences that language education brings, in the aspect of the Global South, it seems necessary to modify the content of textbooks in the direction of diversity, equal treatment of cultures, getting rid of the sense of superiority and ethnocentric attitudes.

Dampak Kebijakan Labelisasi Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) Terhadap Penerima Manfaat Bantuan PKH di Kecamatan Tanjungpinang Timur

The Family Hope Program (PKH) is a government program in providing social protection for poor families (KM). As part of poverty alleviation efforts through the provision of conditional assistance. However, the number of Family Hope Program (PKH) Beneficiary Families in East Tanjungpinang District was 2231, only 1976 houses were labeled, and the number of graduates increased. This study aims to determine the Impact of Family Hope Program (PKH) Labeling Policy on PKH Aid Beneficiaries in East Tanjungpinang District. This research method is qualitative descriptive. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The data is analyzed by qualitative techniques. Based on the results of research on the Impact of Family Hope Program (PKH) Labeling Policy on PKH Aid Beneficiaries in East Tanjungpinang District. The impact seen from the interview results and data findings is very clear with a decrease in the number of 300 PKH Beneficiary Family members resigning independently in Tanjungpinang City. In East Tanjungpinang District, there was a decrease of 176 PKH members. The impact felt by the government is in accordance with the objectives of the PKH labeling policy. The impact not only affects the policy itself but also affects PKH Beneficiary Family members.

Lessons on food security from the COVID-19 pandemic in Bermuda.

Compared with other OECD countries, Bermuda ranks third globally in terms of income inequality globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, anecdotal evidence suggested, significant fluctuations in the food demand and supply. We aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity, with a focus on the availability and affordability of various foods in Bermuda. We utilized a cross-sectional study design to investigate potential drivers of food insecurity within the local population. To gauge the level of household food insecurity we relied on the Bermuda Omnibus survey (N = 400) undertaken by Total Research Associates Ltd via telephone. To assess changes in food availability and affordability we conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders who played pivotal roles in shaping food accessibility availability and affordability of food in Bermuda. These interviews were systematically analysed using the framework method. We performed analyses of food retail and import data to evaluate fluctuations in food prices and their impact on food availability and affordability. We found statistically significant associations between changes in food consumption, household income, and government aid. Food aid beneficiaries ate fewer fruits and vegetables by 50% [95% CI:17%-83%] and less fresh meat and fish by 39% [95 CI:3%-75%] compared with residents who did not receive any aid during the COVID-19 period from March 2020 to March 2021. Although we did not identify statistically significant food price increases feeding programmes played a pivotal role in preventing food insecurity during the pandemic in Bermuda. However, a lack of monitoring regarding the nutritional quality within the programmes, allowed a wide availability of foods high in sugar, salts, and fats, disproportionately affected low-income populations. In conclusion, food availability in Bermuda remained largely unaffected during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the surge in demand for feeding programs underscores underlying food security challenges in Bermuda and warrants further attention.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status on the Presence of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Invasive Coronary Angiography.

This retrospective study investigated the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease, focusing on obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) presence and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in individuals undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Analyzing data from 9530 patients categorized by health insurance type (medical aid beneficiaries (MABs) as the low SES group; national health insurance beneficiaries (NHIBs) as the high SES group), this research explores the relationship between SES and outcomes. Despite a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the MAB group exhibited similar rates of obstructive CAD compared to the NHIB group. However, over a median 3.5-year follow-up, the MAB group experienced a higher incidence of composite cardiovascular events, including cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke, compared with the NHIB group (20.2% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, revealed independently worse clinical outcomes for the MAB group (adjusted odds ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.54; p = 0.006). Despite comparable CAD rates, this study underscores the fact that individuals with low SES encounter an elevated risk of composite cardiovascular events, emphasizing the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and heightened susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, even among those already at high risk.

Socioeconomic Status and Dementia Risk Among Intensive Care Unit Survivors: Using National Health Insurance Cohort in Korea.

In aging populations, more elderly patients are going to the intensive care unit (ICU) and surviving. However, the specific factors influencing the occurrence of post-intensive care syndrome in the elderly remain uncertain. To investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and risk of developing dementia within two years following critical care. This study included participants from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Cohort Database who had not been diagnosed with dementia and had been hospitalized in the ICU from 2003 to 2019. Dementia was determined using specific diagnostic codes (G30, G31) and prescription of certain medications (rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, or donepezil). SES was categorized into low (medical aid beneficiaries) and non-low (National Health Insurance) groups. Through a 1:3 propensity score matching based on sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, and primary diagnosis, the study included 16,780 patients. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of dementia. Patients with low SES were higher risk of developing dementia within 2 years after receiving critical care than those who were in non-low SES (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.46). Specifically, patients with low SES and those in the high-income group exhibited the highest incidence rates of developing dementia within two years after receiving critical care, with rates of 3.61 (95% CI: 3.13-4.17) for low SES and 2.58 (95% CI: 2.20-3.03) for high income, respectively. After discharge from critical care, compared to the non-low SES group, the low SES group was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health expenditure

Objective: The large-scale spread of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; has led to a burden on the national healthcare financial system. This study assessed the medical cost of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; hospitalizations and its effect on national health expenditures in Korea and investigated the factors that affected the cost of hospitalization for &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; patients.Methods: A total of 23,812 &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; patients were reported as of September 30, 2020. 18,854 cases of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; hospitalization were claimed by The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service with a total of 14,283 inpatients.Results: From January to September 2020, the total cost of treatment for hospitalized &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; patients in Korea was 79,277,000 USD. The mean cost per case was 4,284 USD (IQR, 649-5,257). Medical costs were high in the elderly, those with severe symptoms, medical aid beneficiaries, and those who died during treatment. The mean length of hospital stay of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; patients was 17.3 days (IQR 9-23) and was high in women, the elderly, medical aid beneficiaries, and patients in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk provinces. The differences in medical costs between sex, age, insurance, region, treatment result, and length of stay groups according to severity were significant for all variables. Moreover, the mean costs per case and per day were higher in medical aid beneficiaries than those subscribed to health insurance (P&lt;.05).Conclusion: In Korea, the medical cost for treatment of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; patients was low compared to that of other countries, as well as the treatment cost for the H1N1 influenza in Korea. Factors affecting the medical cost of &lt;i&gt;COVID-19&lt;/i&gt; treatment included age, severity, type of insurance, and treatment results. Additional follow-up studies that also include the cost of screening and quarantine in the analysis of medical costs are necessary.