The Effect of Korean Medicine on Medical Expenses and Quality of Life in Elderly People: A Retrospective Study of Korean Health Panel Survey Data

Objectives: This study examined the impact of Korean medicine and herbal medication on mortality rates, medical expenses, and quality of life among Korea’s elderly population.Methods: Data from the Korean Health Panel Survey allowed examination of the impact of herbal medication and Korean medicine utilization on healthcare costs and utilization, as well as disease comorbidity, mortality, and quality of life among people age 65 and older.Results: The group that used herbal medication and Korean medicine had higher medical expenses and utilization compared to the non-using group groups. However, among people age 85 and older, this increase was less pronounced compared to the non-Korean medicine using group, and the use of Western medical hospitalization also relatively decreased. Quality of life showed a non-significant decrease in all groups.Conclusion: Among Korea’s elderly population, herbal and Korean medicine are primarily chosen in cases of high medical expenses and utilization, which are thought to be related to the prevalence of chronic diseases and quality of life.