A dispute over health insurance access for students with disabilities has prompted intervention from the Ho Chi Minh City Social Security Agency. The issue arose after a mother, identified as Mrs. Yen, discovered her son, born in 2010 and diagnosed with a mild disability, was ineligible for a newly announced, free health insurance program for students in 2026.
According to reports, the educational center attended by Mrs. Yen’s son initially stated it did not assist with acquiring medical insurance. However, Mrs. Yen was then informed that, due to her son’s age, insurance would need to be purchased through a family plan. This occurred despite the expectation of free coverage in the coming year.
Mrs. Yen raised concerns about the situation for other students with disabilities who may not meet the criteria for the new insurance benefits and are now also unable to access coverage through the center. She questioned what recourse was available for these individuals.
The Ho Chi Minh City Social Security Agency responded, clarifying that the Ho Chi Minh City Vocational Training and Job Creation Center, where the student attends, is managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Volunteer Youth Force. Students enrolled at the center are not eligible for health insurance coverage through educational institutions.
Regarding Mrs. Yen’s son, the agency stated that if he already possesses a certificate confirming his mild disability issued by a competent authority, his parents should contact the People’s Committee of their ward or commune for guidance on accessing assistance with health insurance premiums. If a certificate is lacking, the parents should seek guidance from the same local authority regarding the process for disability confirmation and potential premium support.
Although awaiting confirmation of disability status from local authorities, parents are advised to contact the nearest Social Insurance and Health Insurance Support Organization via banking applications, the National Public Service Portal, or the Vietnam Social Security Service Public Service to enroll their family in health insurance. The Social Security Agency of the City has pledged to coordinate with relevant departments to provide specific guidance to students attending inclusive education programs at the center, ensuring their rights are protected.
