According to experts, the figure shows positive changes in public understanding about social insurance policies. However, the number remains low compared to total number of qualified participants. In order to encourage more to sign up, experts said not only policies need to be re-designed but insurance coverage levels must also be increased. The implementation of voluntary social insurance policies also needs reform.

Tran Dinh Lieu, deputy director general of Viet Nam Social Security (VSS), said the dissemination of voluntary social insurance policies has been done on a wide scale but not really in-depth – mostly information in newspapers, broadcasts and posters, but rarely direct talks with people.

The VSS has recently made reforms by organising small-scale meetings to consult people and directly inform them about voluntary social insurance in their villages. This has shown positive results. At many meetings, up to 60 out of 100 participants voluntarily applied for the insurance.

This is an example that demonstrates the major benefits of suitable dissemination methods. The social security sector and labour, invalids and social affairs sector have planned a project towards universal social security following Resolution No 28-NQ/TW. The two sectors will come up with solutions to renew dissemination work in terms of content and methods towards more friendly communications on social media platforms, mobile phones and text messages.

Bui Sy Loi, vice chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs said the rapid increase in the number of voluntary social insurance participants in the first six months of this year shows positive changes in public understanding about the policies. The dissemination work has been reformed and has shown effectiveness.

However, there are still limitations that need to be researched and renewed to make communication content to be delivered in an easier, more attractive and focused way.

“I see that many people do not fully understand the benefits of voluntary social insurance policies. If people pay 22 per cent of their monthly income (VNĐ700,000 for households classified as being poor), over 20 years, when men reach 60 years old and women reach 55, they will receive a wage of VNĐ400,000 per month – higher than the VNĐ154,000 they have to pay every month for insurance coverage, and also higher than the monthly State allowance of VNĐ270,000 for people above 80 years old. They will receive the insurance premium at 55 or 60 years old, without having to wait until 80. The wages will increase in line with the State wage policy.”

“These simple figures show how beneficial voluntary social insurance is to the participants,” said Lợi.

He proposed simplifying and reforming administrative procedures in voluntary social insurance to make insurance payment and coverage faster and more convenient with information technology. The voluntary social insurance policy implementation needs the collaboration of sectors, ministries and localities to ensure the most optimal results./.