Ho Chi Minh City Social Insurance submitted a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on 2/6, recommending amendments to the Social Insurance Law, Health Insurance Law (BHYT), and related policies. The core of this proposal is to revise Resolution No. 261/2025/QH15 and the BHYT Law, expanding the group eligible for full coverage of medical examination and treatment costs under health insurance.

Specifically, the agency advocates for all individuals aged 75 and above with a health insurance card to receive 100% coverage. This would eliminate distinctions between those receiving social retirement benefits and those receiving a pension.

Currently, Resolution No. 261/2025/QH15 stipulates that only health insurance participants from near-poor households and individuals aged 75 and above who are receiving social retirement benefits are entitled to 100% coverage for medical expenses. However, this regulation creates a disparity, as many individuals over 75 years old who receive a pension, despite holding a health insurance card, do not qualify for this full coverage. This inconsistency has led to complaints from the public regarding unequal benefits among different groups of elderly people.

Elderly people receive medical examinations in Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Ho Chi Minh City Social Insurance argues that extending 100% coverage to all individuals aged 75 and above with a health insurance card is crucial for ensuring comprehensive healthcare rights for the elderly. This is particularly important given Vietnam's rapidly aging population. The proposal also aims to foster fairness in social welfare policy implementation, addressing the current gaps where elderly individuals with different entitlements have similar healthcare needs.

Vietnam has been experiencing an aging population since 2011, making it one of the countries with a fast-aging demographic. Elderly individuals often require more medical attention and frequently suffer from multiple chronic diseases, leading to higher healthcare costs compared to younger age groups.

Le Phuong