HO CHI MINH CITY — In a significant move that has sparked widespread joy and relief across social media platforms this week, Ho Chi Minh City has officially begun rolling out a groundbreaking policy: providing 100% free Health Insurance (BHYT) for elderly residents aged 65 to 75.
This initiative is being hailed not just as a financial subsidy, but as a transformative step in urban social welfare, addressing a critical "protection gap" for the city’s aging population.
1. Closing the "Vulnerable Gap"
For years, a specific demographic in Vietnam has faced a dilemma. Workers typically retire around age 60 (women) or 62 (men), often losing their employer-sponsored health coverage. However, state-sponsored free insurance benefits for the elderly usually only kick in at age 75 or 80 (depending on specific local regulations).
This created a "vulnerable gap" between retirement and old-age benefits, where seniors face rising health issues with shrinking incomes.
The Solution: This new policy effectively bridges that gap. By targeting the 65-75 age group, HCMC ensures that retirees are not left defenseless against medical costs during their transition into their golden years.
2. More Than Just Money: Peace of Mind
While the monetary value of a Health Insurance card (approx. nearly 1 million VND/year) might seem modest to some, its impact on low-to-middle-income families is profound.
Relief for Families: For households supporting elderly parents, this removes the annual worry of renewing insurance.
Healthcare Access: With 100% coverage, seniors are more likely to visit hospitals for regular check-ups rather than waiting until an illness becomes severe, reducing the long-term burden on the healthcare system.
"It’s not just about the cost of the card; it’s the assurance that the city cares for us after we’ve spent our lives working," shared Mr. Nguyen Van T., a 68-year-old resident of District 8, expressing the sentiment of many.
3. A Model for the Future
This policy underscores Ho Chi Minh City's role as the economic and social locomotive of Vietnam. By utilizing the local budget to support the elderly, the city is proactively addressing the challenges of a rapidly aging society (population aging).
Experts believe this move will create a "domino effect," encouraging other provinces and cities with sufficient budget surpluses to implement similar welfare programs, eventually moving Vietnam closer to Universal Health Coverage.