In addition to the efforts of the social insurance sector, ensuring the rights and interests of policy beneficiaries is a crucial factor for instilling confidence in the social security policies of the Party and the state among the people. In this regard, healthcare services provided under health insurance are also an important factor contributing to the successful implementation of universal health insurance. As one of the major healthcare facilities in the region, in recent times, Vinh Phuc Provincial General Hospital has actively promoted awareness about the benefits of social and health insurance policies to patients while ensuring the quality of healthcare services, thereby safeguarding their rights and building trust among people holding health insurance cards.

Dr. Le Van Tinh, Director of Vinh Phuc Provincial General Hospital, stated, "Our hospital frequently receives and treats many patients with high treatment costs, and if they have health insurance, the patients will be reimbursed up to 80%. For example, the Cardiology Center regularly receives severe cases, treats with advanced techniques, and for long periods, with treatment costs for a single course reaching up to 200 million VND, health insurance is seen as a lifeline for them.

Doctors at Vinh Phuc Provincial General Hospital examining patients (source: Internet)

"On the healthcare facility side, receiving and treating patients with health insurance also makes us feel more assured. When making treatment decisions, our doctors want to choose the best method for patients. Although treatment costs are high, if patients have health insurance, doctors will find it easier to make decisions. However, if the treatment method is expensive and the patient does not have health insurance, our doctors still do their best, but they feel concerned about the patient's financial situation.

"There are many patients who come for healthcare, especially those with severe and poor conditions who do not have health insurance and face very difficult circumstances. Our doctors have contributed money to help patients pay for hospital fees, food, and living expenses. The hospital, in general, as well as each doctor individually, always prioritize the interests of patients above all else and always work alongside the social insurance sector to effectively implement social and health insurance policies for the people. Additionally, with the spirit that every doctor is an advocate for social and health insurance policies, we actively communicate with patients and their families when they come for healthcare services at the hospital to make them more aware of the benefits of participating in the country's social security system, while also accompanying the social insurance sector in the development of communication activities to increase participation in social and health insurance," Dr. Le Van Tinh added.

From Understanding to Action

Previously, Mr. Nguyen Hong Van (residing in Truc Trac ward, Phuc Yen city) always thought that he shouldn't join voluntary social insurance until his life was financially stable. However, when he understood the value of social security policies, he changed his mind. The event that prompted Mr. Van's change of thinking was when he was visited by social insurance officers and agents who explained the significance, benefits, and contribution levels of voluntary social insurance right at his home. With their sincere sharing, he gradually understood the contribution levels and benefits of participating in voluntary social insurance, and thus decided to enroll in the social security system. Mr. Van stated that he sees this as a secure saving method ensured by the state to avoid becoming a burden to his descendants in old age.

Illustrative image (VSS)

After receiving advice from social insurance officers regarding the contribution levels and benefits of social and health insurance, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (owner of a bedding store in Trung Trac ward, Phuc Yen city) said: "Health insurance policies are a form of saving - 'contribute while healthy to reserve for illness' - aimed at reducing the economic burden in case of illness or disease, including severe and costly diseases. Voluntary social insurance helps self-employed individuals like me reduce difficulties and risks in old age, ensuring income stability and a stable life for each individual after retirement.

Regarding the solutions to expand the social security network in 2024, the Director of Phuc Yen Social Security Office stated: "In the coming time, Phuc Yen Social Security Office will continue to collaborate intensively to disseminate social and health insurance policies through various means so that people can better understand the related regulations of the state, thereby improving the effectiveness of implementing social and health insurance policies at the local level. We will improve the quality of service at the 'one-stop' department; correctly and promptly resolve social and health insurance policies to ensure the rights and benefits of participants and beneficiaries. We will advise the city's People's Committee on measures to handle units deliberately delaying payments and owing social and health insurance contributions for an extended period. We will enhance close cooperation with relevant agencies and departments in implementing social and health insurance policies in the locality."