Expanded benefits, stronger support through health insurance
Hai Phong’s new policy on health insurance premium subsidies helps residents expand their benefits and access medical examination and treatment services more conveniently.
Practical support
Nguyen Van Tien, born in 1956 and living in Thanh Dong Ward, is one of the beneficiaries of Hai Phong’s health insurance premium subsidy under Resolution No. 57 of the City People’s Council.
Previously, as a freelance worker, he did not participate in health insurance. As he grew older and developed multiple illnesses, he had to visit hospitals regularly for examination and treatment. Receiving support to join the health insurance scheme has made him very happy, as he no longer has to pay for the insurance card himself and can use it whenever he seeks medical care.
Tien’s case shows that the health insurance premium subsidy policy is bringing practical benefits to groups that previously lacked the conditions to participate. Under Resolution No. 57 of the City People’s Council, the city will provide health insurance premium subsidies from 2026 to 2030 for various groups of permanent residents.
The city covers 100% of the premium for people aged 60 – 74 who do not receive a pension or monthly social allowance; members of the City Blind Association who have not been issued free health insurance cards; people living with HIV/AIDS; and Party members awarded the 40-year Party membership badge or higher who do not receive pensions, regular social insurance benefits, or monthly social assistance.
Near-poor households receive an additional 30% subsidy, on top of the 70% already provided by the State budget. Households with average living standards engaged in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or salt production receive an additional 20%, in addition to the State’s 30% subsidy. Notably, waste collectors working in village and residential waste collection teams, certified by commune-level People’s Committees, receive a 70% premium subsidy from the city.
According to Vu Duc Khien, Deputy Director of the City Social Security, more than 122,000 people have so far participated in health insurance through the city-funded subsidy program. This is one of the key measures contributing to the city’s goal of expanding health insurance coverage.
Greater convenience for patients
Under new regulations, from July 1, 2026, health insurance participants receiving outpatient examination and treatment at certain eligible basic-level and specialized-level medical facilities are entitled to reimbursement equal to 50% of their benefit level from the health insurance fund. This is a notable change that helps expand access to healthcare services for people with health insurance.
Hai Phong currently has more than 3.9 million health insurance participants, covering approximately 95.25% of its population. In 2026, the city aims to raise coverage to 95.5%, moving toward universal health insurance by 2030.
To achieve this goal, Vu Duc Khien said the City Social Security will continue coordinating with departments, agencies, and local authorities to implement comprehensive measures to expand participation, renew public communication through digital platforms and social media, and strengthen direct outreach in villages and residential communities.
At the same time, Social Security agencies will continue working with local authorities to ensure that the subsidy policy under Resolution No. 57 reaches the right people and the right beneficiaries, while striving to enroll at least 5,000 additional people in health insurance during the peak campaign month.
From supporting disadvantaged residents in joining health insurance to expanding benefits for medical examination and treatment, the health insurance policy is increasingly serving as a pillar of social security, helping safeguard Hai Phong residents’ right to healthcare.
NGOC THANH