By 2020: Not considering raising the value of health insurance

(Baonghean) - From now until 2020, there is no consideration to increase the value of health insurance, so it is necessary to calculate the appropriate contribution level and benefits.

This is the content of Document No. 548/TB-VPCP announcing the conclusion of Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue at the meeting on the content of amending Decree 105/2014/ND-CP of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Health Insurance.

The announcement clearly stated that health insurance is of a high social security nature, very sensitive, and related to the majority of people, so it is very necessary to regularly review and improve health insurance policies and laws, including Decree No. 105/2014/ND-CP dated November 15, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Health Insurance.

Checking employee records at Nam Dan District Social Insurance. Photo: My Ha

The Deputy Prime Minister also highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Health in the process of amending and supplementing Decree No. 105/2014/ND-CP; it has accepted the opinions of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice and the Vietnam Social Security, shortening the difference in content between the agencies.

The process of perfecting the legal system on health insurance and the Decree amending Decree 105/2014/ND-CP needs to thoroughly grasp the basic principles and orientations. Specifically, strictly comply with the provisions of the Law on Health Insurance and related laws, accurately reflect the nature, functions and tasks of health insurance with the principle of "pay - enjoy" and risk sharing. Health insurance policies must be consistent with the capacity of related entities, which are the capacity of enterprises to pay, the ability to balance the state budget and the ability to pay of the people; most of the current health insurance participation costs are paid by the state; from now until 2020, the increase in the premium of health insurance has not been considered, so it is necessary to calculate the appropriate contribution level and benefits; ensure the sustainability of the Fund, balance each year, the policy making must be based on the capacity of related parties and the strength of the economy.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure the harmonization of interests of all parties participating in health insurance (people, medical examination and treatment facilities and social insurance agencies); ensure publicity and transparency, promote reform, simplify administrative procedures, strengthen the fight against fraud and profiteering, and affect the interests of people and medical examination and treatment facilities.

Staff of the Provincial Health Insurance - Social Insurance Appraisal Department conduct appraisal on the system. Photo: Phuoc Anh

Clearly define the responsibilities, functions and tasks of relevant agencies, medical examination and treatment facilities and the Chairman of the Fund Management Board, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance.

The Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Health to collect opinions from ministries and branches to review, supplement and revise the draft Decree to meet practical requirements, and to send it to the ministries and agencies: Finance, Justice and Vietnam Social Security for specific comments on the contents of the draft Decree. On that basis, the Ministry of Health will complete and submit the draft Decree to the Government for promulgation in 2017.

The Ministry of Health shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and Vietnam Social Security to review, calculate and report to the Government in the first quarter of 2018 on the possibility of adjusting medical service prices in step 3 in 2018.

The Ministry of Health and Vietnam Social Security have done a good job of communicating about health insurance policies and regimes and using health insurance funds.

PV