The Ministry of Health has urged Vietnam Social Security (VSS) to expedite the disbursement of nearly 2,500 billion VND (about 98 million USD) from the health insurance fund due to budget overruns at medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hospitals delayed in receiving nearly $98 million

According to the Ministry of Health, in 2023, health insurance-covered medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City incurred expenses exceeding the budget allocation by 557.5 billion VND (about 21.8 million USD). These amounts have been inspected and verified by the city’s social security office and submitted to VSS.

In 2024, costs continued to rise, with the overspending projected at around 1,950 billion VND (about 76.2 million USD) as assigned by the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 930/QD-TTg dated September 5, 2024. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City Social Security is in the process of reclaiming health insurance payments made for medical services conducted with equipment not yet transferred to state ownership before March 4, 2023.

Delays in reimbursement and prolonged waiting periods for overspent funds have caused significant operational and financial strain on hospitals. These include difficulties in maintaining cash flow, paying suppliers for pharmaceuticals, and ensuring uninterrupted medical services, all of which may impact patient care and the rights of health insurance participants.

Four key positions from the Ministry of Health

First, regarding medical services performed with equipment not yet under full state ownership, on February 27, the ministry issued Official Letter No. 1042/BYT-BH to VSS, requesting that recovery of these costs be postponed. The ministry is compiling a report for the government and has asked VSS to instruct provincial offices to refrain from reclaiming funds until the Prime Minister issues a decision.

Second, for the 2023 overspending, the VSS Board of Management adopted Resolution No. 730/NQ-HDQL on May 12, agreeing in principle to the financial settlement for 2023. The ministry has requested VSS to promptly report to the Ministry of Finance and submit to the government for approval, enabling payments to affected hospitals, including those in Ho Chi Minh City.

Third, for 2024 overspending, the ministry issued Official Letter No. 4922/BYT-BH on July 25, directing that projected overspending be addressed in compliance with the Law on Health Insurance and relevant decrees, and urged VSS to ensure all local offices adhere to these regulations.

Fourth, the ministry has called on VSS to instruct local branches to provide timely advances for health insurance-covered services as stipulated in Article 32 of the Law on Health Insurance, ensuring uninterrupted funding for patient care.

Phuong Thuy