On November 14, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council passed a Resolution regulating the level of health insurance (HI) support for the elderly and students in the area.
According to the resolution, people aged 65 to under 75, with permanent residence in Ho Chi Minh City and who have not yet received support from other health insurance policies will be paid 100% of the health insurance premium by the city budget. This group of subjects has more than 530,000 people.
For students, including students in general schools and students in continuing education at both public and non-public schools, the resolution stipulates support of 50% of the student's health insurance premium.
When combined with the support level of 50% from the general policy of the Central Government, each student will be supported with 100% of health insurance fees. There are about more than 2 million students who are eligible for this policy.
The Resolution takes effect from November 14, 2025. For those who are eligible for support but have valid health insurance cards, the support level will be applied from the date the card expires.
This method helps avoid having to refund cards or change cards halfway, because the health insurance card for the elderly usually lasts for 1 year, while the student health insurance card is valid from January 1 to December 31 every year.
According to calculations, the Ho Chi Minh City budget will spend more than 1,953 billion VND to implement the policy in one year.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assessed that the comprehensive support of health insurance for the elderly and students demonstrates profound humanistic value, affirming the concern of the Party Committee and the city government for people's health care.
This policy also contributes to increasing the rate of people participating in health insurance. According to Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of breakthrough solutions, strengthening protection, care and improving people's health, by 2026, the health insurance coverage rate will reach over 95% and by 2030, it will reach the entire population.
Decision No. 383/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approving the National Strategy for the Elderly to 2035, with a vision to 2045, determines the goal for the period 2025 - 2030 of 100% of the elderly having health insurance cards.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the policy not only helps reduce medical examination and treatment costs for families but also ensures fairness in access to health services, improves the efficiency of state management and the unity of the legal system.
This is also an important step to strengthen people's trust in the government, especially in the context of the city implementing tasks after the merger.
