Ho Chi Minh City Proposes Full Health Insurance Coverage for Residents Aged 60 to 65

Ho Chi Minh City is moving toward a policy that would provide full state-funded health insurance coverage for residents aged 60 to 65 who do not currently receive government-subsidized plans. This proposal, currently under review by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, aims to achieve universal health coverage for the elderly and mitigate the financial burden of medical treatment for those without pensions or regular income. If approved, the city estimates an annual budget requirement to support residents in this age group.

Legal Framework and Policy Alignment

The proposal is grounded in Vietnam’s existing legislative framework, which seeks to adapt to the country’s aging population. According to the Social Security Office of Ho Chi Minh City, the plan aligns with the 2009 Law on Elderly People, which defines seniors as citizens aged 60 and older. Furthermore, the 2025 Population Law empowers local authorities to implement financial support measures for health insurance based on regional socioeconomic conditions.

This initiative also functions as a localized execution of the National Strategy for Elderly People in Vietnam (2025–2035). By extending coverage, the city intends to meet the objectives set by the Politburo’s Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, which strives for all elderly citizens to hold valid health insurance cards. The policy also complies with Decree No. 188/2025/ND-CP, which authorizes provincial People’s Committees to propose higher levels of insurance subsidies using local budget resources.

Financial Impact and Public Support

Data from the Social Security Office indicates that the cost of this expansion is sustainable compared to the city’s overall budget. Projections suggest that covering the insurance premiums for residents in the 60–65 age bracket will cost a specific amount annually.

Surveys conducted by the Social Security Office highlight strong public demand for this measure:

• High Approval: Among surveyed residents aged 60 to 65, the vast majority identified the full subsidy as either “necessary” or “very necessary.”
• Economic Vulnerability: A survey of residents in this age group revealed that a majority find health insurance costs difficult to manage, as many rely primarily on savings or family support rather than pensions.
• Proven Effectiveness: Earlier initiatives, such as those providing coverage for residents aged 65 to 75, resulted in millions of medical visits in the first five months of the year, with costs exceeding 1,083 billion VND covered by the insurance fund.

Comparative Regional Context

Ho Chi Minh City is not alone in utilizing local budgets to expand health coverage for seniors. Other regions in Vietnam have already implemented similar, albeit varying, models:

| City/Province | Coverage Scope | Target Age Group |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Hanoi | 100% subsidy | 60 to under 75 years (non-mandatory) |
| Hai Phong | 100% subsidy | 60 to 74 years (non-pensioners) |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Proposed 100% subsidy | 60 to under 65 years |

Implementation Roadmap

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has finalized the draft resolution to amend and supplement the existing Resolution No. 56/2025/NQ-HĐND. The city is currently seeking approval from the Standing Committee of the City People’s Council to include this proposal in the official legislative agenda. If passed, the city expects the new insurance contribution rates to take effect starting July 1, 2026.

By integrating this group into the state-funded insurance system, the city aims to raise its total health insurance coverage rate by 2026, creating a pathway toward universal healthcare by 2030. This strategy is intended to reduce the risk of residents falling back into poverty due to unexpected medical expenses in their later years.