Hospital fee exemption policy associated with universal health insurance

Access to basic health services without financial worries

"The policy of free basic medical fees for all people must still be based on the pillar of health insurance (HI), and must be implemented with a roadmap. The State and the fund will pay for basic and essential medical expenses, minimizing the financial burden on people, first of all for social policy beneficiaries, the disadvantaged, low-income people and some other priority groups. For medical services on demand, exceeding the basic level, patients still have to pay a part to raise awareness of using services reasonably and saving costs," said Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan.

Hospital fee exemption policy associated with universal health insurance - Photo 1.

Free hospital fees associated with health insurance reduce the financial burden for patients. In the photo: Examination of children at Children's Hospital 1 (HCMC)

Photo: NHAT THINH

The policy of free hospital fees must be closely linked to universal health insurance coverage, everyone participates in health insurance to share risks, the well-off take care of the poor, the healthy help the weak; along with support from the state budget so that patients do not have to pay extra costs when they are unfortunately sick.

Regarding the scope of benefits, people will receive free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year and establish an electronic health record, managing diseases throughout the life cycle, from the fetus to old age. This will be implemented from 2026. By 2030, people will be exempted from basic medical examination and treatment costs within the scope of health insurance benefits according to the roadmap.

From 2026, gradually increase the rate, payment level, and expenditure for disease prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment of a number of diseases and priority subjects according to the roadmap from the health insurance fund to reduce the financial burden on patients, in accordance with the increase in health insurance contributions as prescribed by law from 2027. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all people, regardless of region, rich or poor, have access to essential and basic health services without having to worry about finances.

According to the Minister of Health , the Resolution does not aim for "absolute free" but aims to minimize people's co-payment costs, increase health insurance coverage, reduce deaths due to late disease detection; build a fair, equitable, effective, sustainable health system where no one is left behind.

Attracting private economic investment in healthcare

According to Minister Dao Hong Lan, Resolution 72-NQ/TW especially encourages investment and development in providing high-quality health care services, disease prevention services, scientific research, training of medical human resources, production of drugs, vaccines, medical equipment, inspection, testing, and calibration.

In particular, encourage the development of large-scale private hospitals with specialized technical levels on par with those of developed countries; encourage and facilitate private investment activities and public-private partnerships in the health sector in accordance with the law...

"The Ministry of Health will actively coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to develop and synchronously deploy solutions so that policies can be effective in 2026," said Minister Dao Hong Lan.

Free basic hospital fees for all people through health insurance by 2030 has profound social security significance, helping to detect diseases early, reduce medical costs, clearly demonstrating the view that people are the central subject, given the highest priority in building and implementing policies to strengthen protection, care and improve health.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chinh-sach-mien-vien-phi-gan-voi-bhyt-toan-dan-18525092417581655.htm