SEONGNAM — Seongnam is running a year-round program to cover out-of-pocket costs for advanced dementia testing, the city said on the 27th, easing the financial burden on residents suspected of having the condition.
The program is open to residents who have completed initial screening and second-stage diagnostic testing at dementia care centers run by the Sujeong, Jungwon and Bundang district health centers. Those who are found to require a third-stage differential examination at a medical institution because dementia is suspected are eligible for support.
Eligible residents can be tested at 10 medical institutions that have signed agreements with the city. Tests include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood work needed to identify dementia.
The participating institutions are Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, Seongnam Medical Center, Jung Hospital, Seongnam Central Hospital, Bobath Memorial Hospital, Sungmo Will Hospital, Now Hospital and Barunsesang Hospital.
Seongnam covers between 50,000 won and 330,000 won that residents would otherwise pay during the examination process. Combined with state support of 80,000 won to 110,000 won, each person can receive up to 440,000 won toward testing costs.
The city launched the program in September 2022, the first local government in the country to do so. At the time, it was limited to residents aged 60 and older with household income at or below 120% of the median. Since July 2025, the city has removed the income and age requirements, extending eligibility to all residents. The number of recipients has risen over the past three years, with 234 people receiving support in 2023, 306 in 2024 and 452 in 2025.
"Early detection and treatment are important with dementia," a city official said. "We will continue this support so that residents do not put off a diagnosis because of the cost."
