은퇴 후 천만 원 넘기면 건강보험료 폭탄? [경제콘서트] / KBS 2026.03.30.

Is preparing for retirement simply about covering living expenses? A hidden expense that many people overlook is health insurance premiums. While the company pays half when you are employed, the structure changes after retirement so that the entire cost falls on you. Since it reflects not only income but also assets, it feels like a much heavier burden than expected. So, is there no way to reduce these health insurance premiums? Today, we will look into this with Tax Accountant Lee Jang-won. Hello, Mr. Lee. [Answer] Nice to meet you. [Anchor] There are quite a few people who wonder or worry whether they are paying more in health insurance premiums than necessary. Are there any common characteristics that lead to this situation of overpayment? [Answer] From what I have observed, this often occurs for those with significant financial income. This refers to interest income and dividend income. When income related to these sources grows significantly, it becomes not just a matter of taxes, but also a major issue regarding health insurance premiums. In particular, there are many people who say that their health insurance premiums have suddenly increased significantly, especially after retirement when they literally become regional subscribers and their interest and dividend incomes grow. [Anchor] I see. Then, does the financial income you mentioned only include interest and dividend income? [Answer] That is correct. It applies to interest income and dividend income—specifically, the interest on deposits and installment savings that we commonly know, as well as dividend income from funds and stocks. However, the part that causes a lot of confusion here is the 20 million won and 10 million won thresholds. Simply put, under tax law, comprehensive taxation on financial income applies when the amount exceeds 20 million won. While tax law applies comprehensive taxation when the amount exceeds 20 million won, the threshold for health insurance premiums is 10 million won per year. It literally means that if your income exceeds the assessment threshold of 10 million won, you may be required to pay health insurance premiums. [Anchor] I see. You pointed out that retirees with substantial financial income are at a disadvantage. In that case, I am curious to know what other situations might lead to overpayment. [Answer] First, there are cases where people pay high health insurance premiums because their income has decreased, but the National Health Insurance Service is unaware of this change in income. In other words, they are continuing to pay premiums based on past income data. If you look at the standards for this year, from January to October of 2024, health insurance premiums are calculated based on income from the year before last. Then, from November to December, premiums are calculated based on income from the previous year of 2025. Therefore, those who have retired, left their jobs, or closed their businesses cannot help but feel that they are paying more than their current financial situation warrants, even though their actual income has decreased, because their premiums are currently based on data from their high-income past. [Anchor] I see. Then, as this is likely what viewers are most curious about, could you please explain the methods for lowering health insurance premiums? [Answer] There are four main methods. First is applying for a health insurance premium adjustment. Second is applying for voluntary continued enrollment. Third is it is advisable to maintain financial income at 10 million won or less. Fourth is registering dependents. [Anchor] I see. Let's go through these four methods one by one. First, regarding the health insurance premium adjustment application... I assume this is a request to lower the health insurance premium? [Answer] That is correct. Simply put, it literally means asking for a reduction because the premium is currently high. However, it is not a simple complaint; rather, it is a request to calculate the premium based on the current situation rather than past data, as actual income has decreased. At the National Health Insurance Service, when an application for adjustment settlement is received, the adjustment is made first. Then, the settlement is conducted again in November of the following year after the income is received from the National Tax Service. So, the process operates on a structure where the amount is reduced first and then adjusted later. As I mentioned earlier, those whose income has decreased immediately due to retirement, dismissal, business closure, or temporary suspension should check this system. [Anchor] Then, are there any points to be aware of? [Answer] As I mentioned earlier, the actual impact may differ. Since the assessment is currently based on income from January to October of 2024 and income from November and December of 2025, when you apply for an adjustment, the adjustment is made first from the day...