Expanding Health Insurance Coverage and Public Health Protection

Vietnam enacts wider public health cover for low income, elderly

14 Jan 2026

As of January 1, 2026, Vietnam expanded public health insurance to provide full coverage for near-poor households and citizens aged 75 or older receiving social pensions, removing previous co-payments. The Ministry of Health instructed insurers and medical providers to implement the changes immediately, ensuring eligible groups receive 100% reimbursement for covered services. These reforms support Vietnam’s goal of 95% population coverage by 2026 and universal health insurance by 2030, while maintaining flexibility for emergency and out-of-network care. The broader coverage coincides with faster growth in non-life insurance, particularly health, which leads premium revenue and influences product design and distribution strategies. Overall, the measures aim to strengthen social protection and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.

Health insurance to cover three attempts to quit smoking in 2026

13 Jan 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, health insurance will cover smokers’ participation in up to three quit-smoking attempts per year. Evidence shows that smokers in support programs are six times more likely to remain smoke-free for a year, with intensive programs achieving a 30% success rate. Experts hope that covering multiple attempts will increase long-term quitting rates, reducing healthcare costs and preventing cancers and circulation-related illnesses. Stop-smoking programs cost around €400, but insurance coverage removes financial barriers and encourages timely participation. With 18% of the population still smoking, broader access to these programs could yield significant health and economic benefits.

US House votes to restore health insurance subsidies over objections of GOP leaders

9 Jan 2026

On January 8, 2026, the U.S. House voted 230-196 to restore the ACA’s premium tax credits, which help 22 million Americans afford health insurance, despite opposition from President Trump and House GOP leaders. The bill, led by Rep. James McGovern, would extend the credits through 2028, with all Democrats and 17 Republicans supporting it. The measure now moves to the Senate, where it faces a likely filibuster and may not pass. The credits’ expiration on January 1 caused average premium hikes of over 20% for ACA marketplace enrollees, affecting hundreds of thousands in states like Virginia. Advocates argue that restoring the subsidies is critical to protecting working families’ budgets and health coverage.