The community-based integrated management system for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, will be expanded nationwide in phases.

Considering business continuity, existing hypertension and diabetes registration and education centers will undergo a transition preparation period before being reorganized into Chronic Disease Integrated Management Centers starting in 2028. New project regions will be selected in the first half of 2027 and begin operations in July of the same year.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced specific implementation plans on the 5th—including transition methods for existing centers and patient guidance—following its September 30 announcement on the nationwide expansion of chronic disease management.

This reorganization focuses on expanding chronic disease management services—currently operated mainly for certain regions and specific age groups—to more regions and citizens of all ages, thereby strengthening the foundation for continuous education and consultation.

Existing 19 Regional Centers to Prepare for Transition in 2027, Reorganize into Integrated Centers by 2028

The KDCA plans to gradually reorganize the hypertension and diabetes registration and education centers currently operating in 19 regions, taking field demand and business continuity into account.

Existing centers will operate as preparation sites for the Chronic Disease Integrated Management Center throughout 2027. During this period, they will retain their current names and maintain chronic disease management functions such as patient education, consultation, and notifications. By the end of 2027, the transition and business performance will be evaluated to launch the integrated management centers in 2028.

Currently, the program is implemented in 19 regions: Seongdong-gu in Seoul; Gwangmyeong, Namyangju, Hanam, Ansan, and Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province; Gwangsan-gu in Gwangju; Jung-gu in Ulsan; Sejong City; Donghae and Hongcheon in Gangwon Province; Jinan in North Jeolla Province; Mokpo, Yeo-su, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province; Gyeongju and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province; Sacheon in South Gyeongsang Province; and Jeju City in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

The KDCA aims to minimize service gaps and stably establish the new management system according to regional conditions by maintaining the functions of existing centers while driving a phased transition.

New Regions to Be Selected in First Half of 2027 and Launched in July

Apart from the preparation of existing centers, expansion into new project areas will also be pursued. The KDCA plans to select new regions through a public contest in the first half of 2027 and fully launch the Chronic Disease Integrated Management Centers starting in July of that year.

The new centers will provide management services—such as education, counseling, and notifications—targeted at patients with hypertension and diabetes. Notably, while past programs focused on patients aged 30 and older across 19 regions, the expanded system will broaden its service scope to patients of all ages.

The scope of managed diseases will also widen incrementally. Although currently centered on hypertension and diabetes, future plans include incorporating other chronic conditions like dyslipidemia. Through this, the KDCA aims to enable more comprehensive prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous management of chronic diseases within local communities.

Shift in Medical Expense Support for Existing Patients and Strengthened Guidance

The method of medical expense support for currently registered patients will change. As announced on September 30, the KDCA plans to transition medical expense support for registered patients to a health-living practice incentive system.

To prevent patients from experiencing inconveniences during the system change, local governments, existing centers, and integrated management centers will provide combined guidance and support. Public relations efforts will also be reinforced to ensure that registered patients and medical staff fully understand the modifications.

The KDCA plans to form and operate a tentative "Chronic Disease Management System Reorganization Promotion Committee" involving the central government, provincial governments, private experts, and representatives from existing centers. The committee will discuss necessary implementation measures, such as center transition methods and schedules, patient guidance, and preparation support for local governments.

In addition, working-level consultations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare will be regularized to check and share the linkage status between existing and new projects. Consultations will also be held flexibly with related organizations and groups, including the National Health Insurance Service, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, local medical associations, and the Korean Medical Association, to reflect frontline opinions.

Briefings will be held for local governments, medical institutions, and program participants to explain the purpose of the reorganization, major changes, patient transition procedures, and support methods, thereby raising understanding of the institutional changes.

"Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and Continuous Management of Chronic Diseases Are Crucial"

Through this reorganization, the KDCA plans to reduce regional disparities in the chronic disease management system and establish a foundation where any citizen, regardless of age or place of residence, can receive necessary management services.

"For chronic diseases, prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous management through healthy lifestyle practices are paramount," said Lim Seung-kwan, Commissioner of the KDCA. "This reorganization is highly significant in that it establishes a chronic disease management system for citizens of all ages in more regions."

He added, "We will strive to ensure the stable settlement of the project while communicating sufficiently with the field."

Because chronic diseases require long-term management, coordination between communities and medical institutions is vital. The KDCA plans to enhance public accessibility to chronic disease management by maintaining the management functions of existing centers while expanding new regions and progressively broadening target age groups and disease categories.

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