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 private schools, the resolution stipulates support of 50% of the student 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 more than 2 million students who are eligible for this policy.
It can be said that this is a very humane resolution of Ho Chi Minh City, truly placing people at the center of development when they are both responsible for replacing people financially and showing the proactive implementation in the spirit of "all-people health insurance coverage" according to Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo and the National Strategy for the elderly until 2035.
Not only stopping at humanistic values, this policy also helps the city expand sustainable health coverage. When the city proactively contributes to the two largest groups of students and the elderly, the health insurance coverage rate of Ho Chi Minh City will almost reach the absolute level.
This policy will create a widespread effect, encouraging groups of freelance workers, students, and informal workers to proactively participate, moving closer to the goal of universal health coverage by 2030.
In an urban area of more than 10 million people, providing health care for the two most vulnerable groups, the elderly and children, will say a lot about the heart and reach of local government leaders.
Especially in suburban wards and communes - where life is still difficult, being exempted from all health insurance fees will help hundreds of thousands of families reduce their financial burden, have more investment resources for studying, nutrition, and taking care of relatives, thereby narrowing the welfare gap between social classes.
Students receiving health insurance is not only a financial support, reducing the burden on parents, but also a long-term investment in the health, physical and mental health of future generations.
The elderly receiving free care is a vivid expression of the tradition of kinhculars, and at the same time a measure of civilization in social development.
In the context of the city's recent merger and restructuring of the apparatus, this decision also sends a strong message of responsibility and sharing, accompanying people in urgent issues such as health, education, and social welfare.
Each health insurance card issued free of charge to students and the elderly over 65 years old not only ensures the right to medical examination and treatment, but also demonstrates and realizes the commitment "no one is left behind".
