WCN24-567 Towards Inclusive Finance for People with Kidney Disability: Equity of Finance, Medical Cost, and Income

Financial equity is crucial to ensure economic stability for all. In Korea, individuals registered as legally disabled due to end stage kidney disease (ESKD), requiring kidney transplants or dialysis, can access various welfare benefits, including cost savings on medical treatments and disability allowances. Nevertheless, ESKD patients face the highest medical cost burden relative to their income when compared to other severe illnesses, resulting in lower quality of life (QOL). Therefore, their participation in private finance plans could serve as a viable alternative to supplement inadequacies in public welfare benefits.