The Ministry of Health proposes more state support for health insurance (BHYT) premiums for 5 groups and gradually higher benefits for some, expected from 2027.
The draft is open for comments
The Ministry of Health is seeking feedback on a draft Decree to raise health insurance (BHYT) benefit levels and expand the scope of benefits step by step, giving priority to groups in line with their contribution levels and within what the Health Insurance Fund can balance. The document will apply to health insurance participants, health insurance medical facilities, social security agencies and other relevant agencies, organizations and individuals.
Five groups proposed for higher premium support
If approved, from April 1, 2027, the state budget's share of health insurance premiums will be higher for several groups, mainly people in difficult circumstances and those enrolled through their households:
- People with mild disabilities in near-poor households: the full premium covered.
- People in near-poor households: at least 80% of the premium, 10 percentage points higher than the current rate.
- Students: from at least 50% at present to at least 70%.
- People in households with average living standards: from at least 30% to 50%.
- People being sheltered and cared for at charitable or religious organizations and facilities: at least 50%.
Compared with current regulations
Under Decree 188/2025/NĐ-CP, which is currently in effect, the budget support levels are:
- The full premium for people in near-poor households living in poor communes, as decided by the Prime Minister or identified by a competent authority in another document.
- At least 70% for people in near-poor households and ethnic minority people living in areas that have now been removed from the list of areas facing socio-economic difficulties or extreme socio-economic difficulties.
- At least 50% for students and a few other groups.
- At least 30% for people in households working in agriculture, forestry, fisheries or salt production with average living standards.
Overall, the draft mainly raises support for disadvantaged groups and those enrolled through their households, while adding people with mild disabilities in near-poor households to the group whose full premium is covered. These levels will follow a roadmap that takes into account contribution levels, priority groups, and what the Health Insurance Fund and the state budget can balance.
Roadmap for raising benefit levels
The draft also proposes gradually raising the share of covered medical costs that the Health Insurance Fund pays.
For people under 18, people aged 75 and over, people in households with average living standards, and people with mild disabilities whose working capacity is reduced by 35%-60% (except those already receiving a higher level):
- The 80% benefit level rises to 85% from July 1, 2027 and to 90% from July 1, 2029.
- For care at the primary or basic level, the benefit level is 95% from July 1, 2030.
For all other groups currently receiving 80%:
- The benefit level rises to 85% from July 1, 2028.
- For care at the primary or basic level, the benefit level is 90% from July 1, 2030.
The above provisions are still at the draft stage. Ky Hoa Medical Center accepts health insurance (BHYT) patients; when you visit, you can ask at the reception desk for guidance on your current benefits.
Ky Hoa Medical Center is open Monday to Saturday, 6:30 - 11:30 and 13:00 - 17:00; closed on Sunday. Address: 266A - 268 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Hotline 028.3868.1097.
Source: Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life) newspaper