Vietnam's health law revision to ensure compatibility with medical laws

The law may also introduce a deadline for the annual audit settlement.

Vietnam is preparing to amend its Law on Health Insurance to address key shortcomings and ensure broader access to healthcare services. 

Key areas for improvement include expanding the range of healthcare services covered, streamlining patient referral systems, reviewing contribution rates for fairness, and strengthening contractual agreements between insurance agencies and healthcare providers. 

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasised that these changes aim to improve service delivery, protect participant rights, and enhance the management of the health insurance fund.

The revised draft law, approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee, focuses on four policy areas: adjusting eligibility for participants, expanding or limiting benefits based on contributions and the fund’s financial health, updating regulations to reflect medical technology advancements, and promoting primary healthcare services.

Deputy General Director of Vietnam Social Security Nguyen Duc Hoa stressed the need for thorough study and international benchmarking to ensure the feasibility of the amendments. 

He also called for a comprehensive review of health insurance claims, proposing the increased use of digital transformation to streamline the process.

The draft law also seeks to provide health insurance support for near-poor households. Hoang Lien Phuong from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs suggested that this group be included amongst those eligible for fully or partially funded insurance, aligning with the Law on Social Insurance.

Deputy Minister of Justice Tran Tien Dung urged the drafting agency to carefully review challenges in the practical implementation of health insurance and ensure compatibility with other laws, particularly those related to medical examination and treatment. 

He also called for adherence to Party guidelines, including the enhancement of grassroots medical facilities and improvements in social policies.

Additionally, the law may introduce a deadline for the annual audit settlement of the health insurance fund and clarify regulations on private medical facilities.