Mechanisms to ensure older people can access services without financial burden will be crucial, however national health financing systems must be designed not only to allow older people to access services when they are needed, but also to protect them from financial catastrophe by abolishing out of pocket spending for older populations. Health insurance is an effective solution for the elderly to receive comprehensive health care.

The design and financing of universal coverage must include interventions that have the greatest influence on healthy ageing trajectories and include investments in integrated health and social care for older people. Designing age-friendly benefit packages is important to extend coverage for older people.

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha directed that ensure all senior citizens have health insurance cards. Health insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals have access to quality healthcare when needed.

Health insurance provides a safety net for individuals, helping to cover the substantial costs associated with healthcare in Vietnam. Without adequate insurance, individuals may find themselves burdened with high medical bills that can lead to financial distress.

Access to health insurance ensures that individuals can seek medical attention promptly without the fear of exorbitant expenses. This timely intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Health insurance brings peace of mind. It eliminates the stress of having to pay for expensive medical treatments out of pocket, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery.

Health insurance often includes coverage for preventive care and regular check-ups, encouraging individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and catch potential health issues early.

Health insurance plans can be customized to meet an individual’s specific needs, ensuring that they receive the right level of care for their unique circumstances.

As the organizing agency responsible for implementing health insurance policies, in the past year, the VSS has been proactive, positive, and responsible in coordinating with ministries, especially the Ministry of Health in ensuring healthcare for health insurance participants. In addition to timely and full payment of health insurance benefits to participants, in recent times, the VSS has proactively and positively coordinated with the healthcare sector to propose and implement solutions to timely resolve and ensure the source of health insurance funds for healthcare facilities to provide medical services, maximizing the benefits for health insurance participants as stipulated by the law.

the VSS sector has actively implemented the program 'Providing health insurance cards to people in difficult circumstances' in provinces and cities nationwide, targeting groups such as those who have newly escaped poverty, those in near-poor households, those with average living standards who have not yet participated in health insurance, and those in other difficult and vulnerable situations.

The submission and receipt of documents and the resolution of administrative procedures related to health insurance are implemented flexibly through various methods such as: Directly at the One-Stop Department; Via public postal services (for organizations and businesses without fees); Through electronic transactions and online public services (e-Government): The VSS has completed the provision of level 4 public services for all administrative procedures of the sector (including 25 administrative procedures), including 05 procedures related to registration, adjustment of health insurance premiums, and issuance and replacement of health insurance cards.

In addition, the health insurance appraisal information system of the VSS has brought many benefits to health insurance participants, healthcare facilities, the Social Security agency, and management authorities.

In 2024, it is forecasted that there will continue to be many difficulties and challenges in the organization and implementation of health insurance policies.the VSS sector will implement synchronized solutions such as:

Continuing to vigorously promote the proactive coordination role with relevant ministries and sectors in the process of drafting documents guiding the implementation of health insurance policies, ensuring close adherence to practical requirements, and timely addressing emerging issues.

Ensuring the allocation of funds for health i nsurance healthcare facilities to operate in accordance with regulations; fully and timely disbursing health insurance costs for participants. The entire sector will further promote the strong development of IT application in the organization and implementation of health insurance.

Directing and leading provincial Social Security departments to continue to play an advisory role with the Provincial Party Committees, People's Committees in strongly directing the organization and implementation of health insurance policies and laws in the locality: expanding the effective coverage of health insurance; preventing profiteering and misuse of health insurance funds; ensuring sustainable balance of health insurance funds in the locality.