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The new move by Vietnam Social Security (VSS) aims to ensure healthcare benefits of people during the pandemic.

The VSS issued a new document coded 2259/BHXH-CSYT on July 29 to give instructions to social security agencies of provinces and cities nationwide and of ministries of national defence and public security on health insurance payment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the document, amid the developments of the pandemic, especially when a number of localities are applying social distancing measures under Directive 16, the VSS is making efforts to ensure benefits of health insurance cardholders and address obstacles in health check-up and treatment payments.

At healthcare facilities that convert to treat patients with COVID-19, the provincial social security agencies will cover check-up and treatment expenses for underlying or newly-found diseases, not for COVID-19.

The VSS asked local social security agencies and agencies of ministries of national defence and public security to ensure benefits of health insurance cardholders following the law and practical situation.

Social security agencies must not let patients pay for medical treatment costs which are supposed to be covered by the health insurance fund.

Those living in areas under social distancing measures can visit any healthcare facilities for check-up and treatment and still have their benefits ensured.

Patients with health insurance cards can have COVID-19 test fees covered by the health insurance fund or State budget.

Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or cancer whose treatment is managed by central and provincial hospitals can have check-up, treatment and drug prescription at qualified health facilities during the social distancing period.