In 2023, despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges, the Social Security sector of the province made efforts to overcome obstacles and successfully implement the policies of Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance. This significantly contributed to the local political stability and socio-economic development.

Comrade Ho An Phong, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, delivered directives at the conference

The number of participants in Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance all increased compared to 2022, exceeding the targets set by the Government, the Provincial People's Committee, and the Provincial People's Council, as well as those assigned by the VSS for 2023. Specifically, the participants in Social Insurance were 112,488 people, an increase of 8,226 people compared to the previous year, reaching 26.7% of the labor force within the working age group. Among them, the mandatory Social Insurance participants were 73,807 people, an increase of 2,389 people compared to the previous year, achieving 100% of the plan assigned by the VSS. The voluntary Social Insurance participants were 38,681 people, an increase of 5,837 people compared to the previous year, surpassing the VSS plan by 5.6%, reaching 9.2% of the labor force within the unofficial working age group, exceeding 3.7 times the target set by Resolution No. 28/NQ-TW of the Central Committee of the Party by 2025. The participants in Unemployment Insurance were 66,037 people, an increase of 2,469 people compared to the previous year, achieving 101% of the plan assigned by the VSS. The participants in Health Insurance were 842,104 people, an increase of 26,460 people compared to the previous year, achieving 101% of the plan assigned by the VSS. The coverage rate of the population was 93%, exceeding the target set by the Government, the VSS, and the Provincial People's Committee by 0.5% for 2023.

The resolution and payment of Social, Unemployment, and Health Insurance policies were always fully ensured by the provincial Social Security office, serving participants promptly and in accordance with regulations. This contributed to supporting and stabilizing the lives of workers, as well as timely service for healthcare, care, and health protection for the people. The full and timely payment was implemented for 46,834 people receiving monthly pensions and Social Insurance allowances, 49,104 cases of short-term Social Insurance benefits, 9,410 people receiving one-time Social Insurance benefits, 3,581 people receiving Occupational Accident Insurance benefits, and 488 people receiving vocational training assistance. The non-cash payment method in urban areas was emphasized, and by the end of 2023, 34% of people receiving monthly pensions and Social Insurance allowances, 95.1% of people receiving one-time Social Insurance benefits, and 99.9% of people receiving unemployment benefits were paid through personal accounts. Beneficiaries of Social Insurance and Occupational Accident Insurance were satisfied with the payment organization, timing, infrastructure, and service attitude. Payments for Health Insurance medical expenses were implemented for 1,062,684 people, with a total amount paid of 889 billion VND.

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In the deployment of tasks for the year 2024, the provincial Social Security continues to closely follow the guidance of the VSS, the Provincial Party Committee, and the Provincial People's Committee. It proactively coordinates closely with departments, boards, sectors, and localities to implement Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance policies for the people and businesses in the province. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to innovate in content, forms, and methods of propaganda, adapting communication scenarios to the actual situations of each locality and region.

Speaking at the conference, Comrade Ho An Phong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, commended and acknowledged the results achieved by the provincial Social Security office, especially the increase in the participation rate of voluntary Social Insurance members. To continue fulfilling tasks in the coming period, Vice Chairman Ho An Phong proposed that the provincial Social Security concentrate all resources to effectively implement Resolution No. 28-NQ/TW of the Central Committee on Social Insurance policy reform. The focus should be on excellently completing targets and plans for revenue, developing Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance participants, implementing Social and Health Insurance policies assigned by the VSS, Provincial People's Council, and Provincial People's Committee. Moreover, efforts should be made to expand the coverage of family Health Insurance participants and voluntary Social Insurance members.

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Particularly, the provincial Social Security office needs to develop specific and effective solutions to reduce prolonged Social Insurance arrears in enterprises. Appropriate measures should be taken to effectively manage Health Insurance medical expenses, preventing overspending on medical treatment funds at healthcare facilities. The digital transformation efforts should be further intensified to streamline and simplify administrative procedures.

Vice Chairman Ho An Phong also urged the heads of departments, boards, functional sectors, People's Committees of districts, towns, and cities, as well as relevant agencies, organizations, and businesses, to enhance cooperation with the Social Security agency. This cooperation is crucial for inspecting and examining the implementation of Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance policies at labor-utilizing units. Various measures and forms should be employed to urge and recover debts. Authorities with jurisdiction should be recommended to impose penalties on units with prolonged arrears. The capacity to implement Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance policies for workers should be enhanced to ensure social security work in the locality./.