Local authorities must submit lists by november 25 to the Social Security Department. The department will then create three data groups and return them to the wards. The first group includes individuals who do not have health insurance or whose cards have expired. The second group comprises those currently holding valid family health insurance. The third group consists of individuals already receiving health insurance benefits from other policies and are not eligible for coverage under this resolution.

Medical examination for the elderly in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quynh Tran

For individuals without health insurance or with expired cards, wards must coordinate with local police to compile a list and send it to the Social Security Department by november 30. If an individual does not have a social security code, they should provide their citizen identification card or personal identification code to obtain one. If an old card expired over three months ago, the new card will be valid from 14/12 (as it will be issued as a family health insurance card). If the card expired less than three months ago, the new card will be valid from 14/11.

For individuals currently covered by a valid family health insurance card, the new health insurance card under Resolution 56 will take effect immediately after their family card expires. The cost will be fully covered by the budget starting from the first day of the new card's validity month. For example, if Mr. A, who is 65 years old, has a family health insurance card valid from 21/11/2024 to 20/11, his new card under Resolution 56 will be valid from 21/11. Wards are advised to submit lists at least 10 days in advance to ensure continuous coverage.

For individuals turning 65 after Resolution 56 takes effect, wards must review and compile a list of those who will reach 65 years of age in the following month, submitting it to the Social Security Department by the 10th of that month. The new card will be valid from the day immediately following their 65th birthday or the day immediately after their previous card expires if they already possess health insurance.

The Ho Chi Minh City Social Security Department emphasizes that eligible individuals under Resolution 56 who have not yet received their cards should contact their ward People's Committee immediately to provide information and complete the card issuance procedures.

On 14/11, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council passed Resolution 56, which provides 100% health insurance fee support for students and residents aged 65 to under 75. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of medical examination and treatment costs while increasing health insurance coverage, working towards the goal of universal insurance by 2030. Under general regulations, individuals aged 75 and older without a pension or other allowances receive full state support for health insurance contributions and a social retirement allowance of 500,000 VND per month. Ho Chi Minh City is currently the first locality to expand health insurance support to the 65 and older age group and cover the full contribution amount for all students within its jurisdiction.

Le Phuong