Reducing Costs, Improving Life Quality
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, by 2024, Viet Nam had 14.2 million people aged 60 and above, accounting for 14.3% of the population. This figure is expected to reach 22.8 million (20.6%) by 2039. The rapid aging population calls for expanding the social security coverage, especially HI scheme, to ensure the elderly to access to timely and adequate healthcare.

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In recent years, HI policies have covered more groups with higher support levels. Most elderly persons now hold HI cards, with full premiums paid by the State for groups such as those aged 80 and above, retirees, social welfare beneficiaries, people with meritorious service, and those from poor or near-poor households.

Several provinces have actively issued specific policy to support the elderly who are not eligible for the state budget support. For example, Hanoi City has fully subsidized HI premiums for people aged 70–74, the mild disable, and ethnic minorities without HI card. Ho Chi Minh City has also proposed full premium support for people aged 60–74 without enjoying pensions, encouraging people to continuously participate to avoid discontinuity before retirement age. Many localities have provided free periodic health checkups for the elderly covered by HI to detect and manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and joint degeneration.

Thanks to HI coverage, the elderly people have been largely covered by medical costs, including expenses for chronic disease, long-term treatments or high-tech medical services. This greatly reduces out-of-pocket expense, especially the elderly in rural and mountainous areas, enhances both life quality and longevity.

Promoting Digital Transformation Toward Comprehensive Care
Beside financial support, HI is also a key tool for protecting public health. VSS is working closely with the Ministry of Health to promote digital transformation in HI management, payment, and service delivery.

The electronic HI card and the VssID – Digital Social Insurance application enable people to easily access medical information, follow MET history, reduce administrative procedures, and save time and costs.

Meanwhile, the local healthcare network is being strengthened toward preventive care, developing family doctor and community-based elderly care models so that the elderly can receive medical services near their home.

However, some of the elderly in remote areas or informal sector still lack HI coverage or face difficulty in accessing healthcare services such as complex procedures, travel costs, or waiting time. It is necessary to simplify HI MET procedures, expand subjects with premium support, and link health, social insurance, and population data for better policy planning and implementation.