The Ministry of Justice has recently released an assessment report on the draft resolution of the National Assembly regarding breakthrough mechanisms and policies to enhance public health protection, care, and improvement. This draft was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health.
In the proposed resolution, the Ministry of Health suggests increasing the health insurance (HI) benefit coverage from 95% to 100% for individuals aged 75 and above who receive social pension benefits and those from near-poor households, starting from 2027. This proposal aligns with Article 12, Clause 4, Point a of the 2024 Health Insurance Law.
Currently, individuals receiving social pension benefits are entitled to 80% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs under HI.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the current HI benefits are outlined in Article 22 of the 2024 Health Insurance Law. Therefore, a National Assembly resolution is necessary to implement these changes. Initially, the policy will target specific groups, with a phased rollout for others as per government regulations.
Under existing regulations, near-poor households receive state-funded HI contributions and are entitled to 95% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs.
Individuals aged 75 and above receiving social pension benefits, or those aged 70 and above from poor or near-poor households, have their HI contributions covered by the state, meaning they receive free HI cards.
According to the 2024 Social Insurance Law, as of July 1, individuals receiving social pension benefits are entitled to 80% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs.
Prior to July 1, individuals aged 80 and above receiving monthly social allowances (now replaced by social pension benefits) were entitled to 100% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs. This discrepancy has led to inconsistencies.
The Ministry of Health’s proposal aims to address these issues, ensuring effective implementation of Resolution 72-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo. This resolution outlines breakthrough solutions to strengthen public health protection, care, and improvement.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health proposes that the government pilot diverse HI packages and supplementary HI options based on public demand. From 2026 onward, regular health check-ups and screenings for eligible individuals, as stipulated by law, are to be continued.
The state budget, through the HI fund, will cover the costs of at least one free annual health check-up or screening for individuals not currently covered by legal provisions for regular health check-ups.
Proposed 100% Health Insurance Coverage Increase for Social Pension Beneficiaries
The Ministry of Health has proposed that the Government pilot the implementation of diversified health insurance packages, including supplementary health insurance, tailored to meet the specific needs of the population.
Proposed Land Price Schedule and Adjustment Coefficients Effective January 2026
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has recently proposed a land price framework to address challenges and obstacles in the implementation of the 2024 Land Law.
Free Health Checkups for the Elderly and Low-Income Individuals Expected by 2026
The Ministry of Health has proposed an initiative to provide free annual health check-ups for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty or near-poverty conditions, starting from 2026. This ambitious program is estimated to require an annual budget of approximately 6 trillion VND.
AIA Vietnam and FPT Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Health Insurance
Uniting insurance, technology, and health, we pioneer a holistic, personalized ecosystem tailored for the Vietnamese people.
Police Dismantle Counterfeit Drug Smuggling Ring, Seize 277 Crates Worth $15 Million After Weeks-Long Container Surveillance
Authorities have uncovered a massive smuggling operation involving malaria medication, seizing 277 crates of the drug in transit.
