Joint Circular No. 49/2016/TTLT-BQP-BYT-BTC guiding the implementation of health insurance for civil servants, public officials, national defense workers, contractual employees, students, and trainees working, studying, or serving in the Ministry of National Defense, personnel engaged in other work in cryptographic organizations, and dependents of active-duty military personnel and cryptographic staff.

JOINT CIRCULAR

for use implementing health insurance for civil servants, public officials,

defense workers, contractual employees, students, and trainees working,

operating, studying within the Ministry of National Defense, other personnel

in cryptographic organizations, and dependents of active-duty military personnel,

____________

Pursuant to the Health Insurance Law dated November 14, 2008 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Health Insurance Law dated June 13, 2014;

and cryptographic personnel

Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP dated November 15, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Health Insurance Law;

This Circular prescribes procedures for receiving, providing health care for domestic violence victims and statistical reports on domestic violence victims at medical facilities.

Pursuant to Decree No. 215/2013/NĐ-CP dated December 23, 2013, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Finance;

Pursuant to Decree No. 35/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 22, 2011 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of National Defense;

PART I

The Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Finance issue this Joint Circular guiding the implementation of health insurance for civil servants, public officials, defense workers, contractual employees, students, and trainees working, operating, studying within the Ministry of National Defense, other personnel in cryptographic organizations, and dependents of active-duty military personnel, and cryptographic personnel.

OBJECTS, CONTRIBUTION LEVELS, RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS,

METHODS OF CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT LEVELS UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE

Article 1. Objects participating in health insurance

The objects participating in health insurance (hereinafter referred to as health insurance) under the Ministry of National Defense, cryptographic organizations, and dependents of active-duty military personnel, and cryptographic personnel are defined in Point a Clause 1, Points 1 and n Clause 3, Point b Clause 4 Article 12 of the amended and supplemented Health Insurance Law, including:

1. Group contributed by employees and employers:

a) Civil servants, public officials, defense workers;

b) Employees working under indefinite-term labor contracts or fixed-term labor contracts of at least three months;

c) Personnel engaged in other work in cryptographic organizations receiving salaries according to civil servant and public official ranks;

d) Young intellectuals volunteering pursuant to Decision No. 174/QĐ-TTg dated January 29, 2010 of the Prime Minister approving the Project "Strengthening young intellectuals' voluntary service in economic zones under national defense from 2010 to 2020."

2. Group contributed by social insurance organizations:

a) Employees specified in Clause 1 of this Article during their leave period receiving maternity benefits under the Social Insurance Law;

b) Employees specified in Clause 1 of this Article during their leave period receiving monthly social insurance benefits due to long-term treatment of diseases listed in the disease directory.

3. Group funded by the state budget:

a) Cadets training in concentrated military officer programs at the People's Militia Board of Commune level under Decision No. 799/QĐ-TTg dated May 25, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving the Training Program for Military Officers at the People's Militia Board of Commune, Ward, and Town Level with a Bachelor's Degree in Military Science until 2020 and subsequent years, currently receiving living expenses from the state budget and not participating in health insurance;

b) Foreign nationals studying in military academies and schools funded by scholarships from the state budget of Vietnam under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;

c) Dependents of officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel (hereinafter collectively referred to as military personnel dependents); dependents of personnel engaged in cryptographic work receiving salaries equivalent to military personnel in the Ministry of National Defense or other ministries, sectors, and localities, and dependents of cryptographic cadets receiving benefits and policies according to those for cadets at military schools (hereinafter collectively referred to as cryptographic personnel dependents), including: biological father, biological mother; father-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law; legal guardian of oneself, spouse, or child; spouse; biological children, legally adopted children under 18 years old; biological children, legally adopted children aged 18 or older but disabled according to the law.

Article 2. Subjects Not Subject to Application

1. The subjects specified in Clause 1, Point c Clause 3 Article 1 of this Circular during their time living, studying, working, or performing tasks with a fixed term abroad.

2. The subjects specified in Point c Clause 3 Article 1 of this Circular who have participated in Health Insurance according to the groups of subjects prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2; Points a, b, c, d, đ, e, g, h, i, and k Clause 3 Article 12 amended and supplemented by the Law on Health Insurance, except for the cases prescribed in Clause 5 Article 6 of this Circular.

Article 3. Contribution Levels and Responsibility for Health Insurance Contributions

1. For the subjects specified in Clause 1 Article 1 of this Circular;

a) The monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of the monthly salary according to rank and grade and various position allowances, seniority allowances exceeding the ceiling, and occupational seniority allowances (for employees subject to state-prescribed salary systems), or 4.5% of the monthly salary recorded in the labor contract (for employees receiving wages and remuneration as stipulated by the employer); of which, the employing unit contributes two-thirds, and the employee contributes one-third;

b) During the period when the employee is temporarily detained, held, or temporarily suspended from work for investigation to determine whether there has been a violation or not, the monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of 50% of the monthly salary of the employee as provided by law. In case the competent authority concludes that there is no violation of the law, the employee must make up the health insurance contributions based on the salary recovered;

c) During the period when they are sent abroad for study, work, or labor, they are not required to contribute to health insurance; that period is counted as the period of participation in health insurance until the decision to return to work is issued by the sending agency or organization; within 60 days from the date of re-entry into the country, if participating in health insurance, the entire period of labor abroad and the period from the date of return to the date of participation in health insurance is counted as continuous participation in health insurance;

d) During the period when they are processing to receive unemployment benefits according to the Law on Employment, if they do not participate in health insurance under other groups, that period is counted as the period of participation in health insurance;

đ) Employees during the period of taking leave due to illness for 14 days or more in a month according to the law on social insurance, neither the employee nor the employer need to contribute to health insurance but still enjoy health insurance benefits.

2. For the subjects specified in Clause 2 Article 1 of this Circular:

a) The monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of the monthly salary of the employee before maternity leave for the case specified in Point a Clause 2 Article 1 of this Circular;

b) The monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of the basic wage for the case specified in Point b Clause 2 Article 1 of this Circular;

c) The Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense and the Social Insurance Department of the province issuing the health insurance card to the employee specified in Clause 1 Article 1 of this Circular must annually separate the health insurance fund for employees on maternity leave when settling accounts with the Vietnam Social Security to calculate the transfer from the sick leave and maternity fund to the health insurance contribution for that employee.

3. For the subjects specified in Clause 3 Article 1 of this Circular: The monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of the basic wage and is funded by the state budget.

4. For the subjects specified in Clause 4 Article 1 of this Circular: The monthly contribution rate is 4.5% of the basic wage; of which, the state budget supports 70% for students from near-poor households, and 30% for other students; the remaining portion of the contribution is paid by the students themselves.

Article 4. Methods of Paying Health Insurance Contributions

1. For the subjects specified in Clause 1 Article 1 of this Circular:

a) Monthly, the employing unit pays health insurance for the employee and deducts the health insurance contribution from the employee's salary according to the contribution rate specified in Point a Clause 1 Article 3 of this Circular to be submitted together, no later than the last day of the month, to the Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense for the group of subjects under the Ministry of Defense, and to the Social Insurance Department of the province directly under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as the Social Insurance Department of the province) for the group of subjects under other ministries, sectors, and local organizations;

b) For the case specified in Point b Clause 1 Article 3 of this Circular, when the competent authority concludes that there is no violation of the law, the employing unit deducts the health insurance contribution of the employee at 4.5% of 50% of the total salary recovered during the period of temporary detention, holding, or suspension from work for investigation, and submits it once to the Social Insurance Department where the health insurance card was issued.

2. For the subjects specified in Clause 2 Article 1 of this Circular: Annually, the Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense or the Social Insurance Department of the province compiles the number of health insurance cards issued and the amount of health insurance contributions, proactively transferring the health insurance contribution from the sick leave and maternity fund; reporting and settling accounts with the Vietnam Social Security.

3. For the subjects specified in Clause 3 Article 1 of this Circular:

a) For the subjects specified in Points a and b:

Annually, the Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense implements contracts for issuing health insurance cards with the direct management units of these subjects.

The direct management unit of the subjects deducts the health insurance contribution from the state budget according to the contribution rate specified in Clause 3 Article 3 of this Circular to be deposited into the health insurance revenue account of the Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense in two installments: the first installment is implemented immediately after the contract becomes effective, covering the health insurance contribution from the contract's effective date to December 31 of the fiscal year; the second installment is completed before March 31 of the following year, covering the health insurance contribution from January 1 to the contract's expiration date and implementing the contract termination according to regulations;

b) For the subjects specified in Point c:

Annually, before October 31, the subordinate units of the Ministry of Defense sign contracts with the Social Insurance Department of the Ministry of Defense to implement health insurance contributions and issue health insurance cards for the relatives of military personnel and civil servants; organizations using civil servants from other ministries, sectors, and localities sign contracts with the Social Insurance Department of the province to implement health insurance contributions and issue health insurance cards for the relatives of civil servants including those in the same locality and those in different localities.

BASED ON THE SIGNED CONTRACT AND THE STATE BUDGET ALLOCATED, THE UNIT SHALL PAY THE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION INTO THE HEALTH INSURANCE COLLECTION ACCOUNT OF THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE OR PROVINCE SOCIAL INSURANCE IN TWO INSTALLMENTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN CLAUSE 3, ARTICLE 3 OF THIS CIRCULAR: FIRST INSTALLMENT WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONTRACT, AT LEAST 85% OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE CONTRACT; SECOND INSTALLMENT BEFORE OCTOBER 31 EACH YEAR, BOTH PARTIES SHALL VERIFY THE NUMBER OF CARDS ISSUED AND THE AMOUNT OF HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS DUE (INCLUDING ANY INCREASES OR DECREASES IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS OR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BASIC WAGE OR HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION RATES) TO TRANSFER THE REMAINING AMOUNT DUE AND COMPLETE THE CONTRACT TERMINATION PROCEDURE AS PROVIDED.

THE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELATIVES OF PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK BUT NOT IN THE SAME LOCALITY SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE VIETNAM SOCIAL INSURANCE TO ENSURE FUNDS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR THE PROVINCE SOCIAL INSURANCE WHERE THE PARTICIPANT REGISTERS FOR INITIAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

4. FOR THE SUBJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN CLAUSE 4, ARTICLE 1 OF THIS CIRCULAR:

a) ANNUALLY, THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE SHALL ENTER INTO HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION CONTRACTS AND ISSUE HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS TO THE DIRECT MANAGEMENT UNITS OF THESE SUBJECTS;

b) IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTRACT TAKES EFFECT, THE UNIT SHALL COLLECT THE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM STUDENTS AND STUDENTS' RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ACCORDING TO THE CONTRIBUTION LEVELS SET OUT IN CLAUSE 4, ARTICLE 3 OF THIS CIRCULAR, WITHIN THE ACADEMIC YEAR IF THE STUDY PERIOD IS LONGER THAN ONE YEAR OR WITHIN THE COURSE PERIOD IF THE STUDY PERIOD IS NO MORE THAN TWELVE MONTHS, AND SUBMIT THE FUNDS TO THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE'S HEALTH INSURANCE COLLECTION ACCOUNT;

c) AFTER THE ANNUAL SETTLEMENT, THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE SHALL AGGREGATE THE NUMBER OF HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS ISSUED, THE ACTUAL RECEIPTS FROM STUDENTS, AND THE SUPPORT FUNDS FROM THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE CONTRIBUTION LEVELS AS PROVIDED FOR IN CLAUSE 3, ARTICLE 3 OF THIS CIRCULAR, REPORT TO THE VIETNAM SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR COMBINATION, AND SEND TO THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE TO TRANSFER THE FUNDS FOR THE STATE BUDGET SUPPORTED CONTRIBUTION LEVELS TO THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE;

d) WHEN THE STATE ADJUSTS THE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION LEVELS OR THE BASIC WAGE LEVELS, STUDENTS AND THE STATE BUDGET SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE CAUSED BY SUCH ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE REMAINING TIME THAT STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY PAID HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS.

5. THE METHOD OF PAYING HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN OTHER WORKS IN CLASSIFIED ORGANIZATIONS AND RELATIVES OF PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK WHO ARE ENTITLED TO MILITARY SALARIES OF CLASSIFIED ORGANIZATIONS OF OTHER MINISTRIES, SECTORS, AND LOCALITIES SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT CIRCULAR NO. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE DATED NOVEMBER 24, 2014 GUIDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS JOINT CIRCULAR NO. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC).

ARTICLE 5. HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT LEVELS

THE HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT LEVELS FOR THE SUBJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 1 OF THIS CIRCULAR SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 4 OF DECREE NO. 105/2014/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2014 DETAILING AND GUIDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE LAW (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS DECREE NO. 105/2014/NĐ-CP) AND HEALTH INSURANCE PAYMENTS IN CERTAIN CASES AS PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 13 OF JOINT CIRCULAR NO. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC.

Chapter II

HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

ARTICLE 6. ISSUANCE OF HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS

1. THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE SHALL ISSUE HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS FOR THE SUBJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 1 OF THIS CIRCULAR UNDER THE FORM AND CODES PRESCRIBED BY THE VIETNAM SOCIAL INSURANCE.

2. THE PROVINCE SOCIAL INSURANCE SHALL ISSUE HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS FOR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN OTHER WORKS IN CLASSIFIED ORGANIZATIONS OF OTHER MINISTRIES, SECTORS, AND LOCALITIES AND RELATIVES OF PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK OF OTHER MINISTRIES, SECTORS, AND LOCALITIES UNDER THE FORM AND CODES PRESCRIBED BY THE VIETNAM SOCIAL INSURANCE. THE HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS OF RELATIVES OF PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK INCLUDE BOTH LOCAL AND NON-LOCAL CARDS ISSUED AND TRANSFERRED BY THE LOCAL SOCIAL INSURANCE WHERE THE PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK ARE STATIONED TO THE PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK FOR TRANSFER TO THEIR RELATIVES.

3. CONTINUOUS PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH INSURANCE FROM THE SECOND TIME ONWARDS SHALL RESULT IN THE HEALTH INSURANCE CARD HAVING A CONTINUOUS VALIDITY PERIOD STARTING FROM THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE PREVIOUS CARD.

4. FROM JANUARY 1, 2016, THE HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS ISSUED TO THE SUBJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 1 OF THIS CIRCULAR MUST INDICATE THE CONTINUOUS PARTICIPATION PERIOD PRIOR TO THAT DATE, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 60 MONTHS. THE CONTINUOUS PARTICIPATION PERIOD IN HEALTH INSURANCE IS THE PERIOD RECORDED ON THE FOLLOWING HEALTH INSURANCE CARD CONNECTED TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE PREVIOUS CARD; IN CASE OF INTERRUPTION, IT SHALL NOT EXCEED THREE MONTHS.

5. FOR THE SUBJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN POINT C, CLAUSE 3, ARTICLE 1 OF THIS CIRCULAR WHO MOVE RESIDENCE ACCOMPANYING MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK, THEY MUST HAVE A CONFIRMATION FROM THE HEAD OF THE UNIT MANAGING THE MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK REGARDING THE MOVEMENT OF RELATIVES ACCOMPANYING MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK AND A CONFIRMATION FROM THE PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNE, WARD, OR TOWN WHERE THE MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK REGISTER THEIR PERMANENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS REGARDING THE FACT THAT THE RELATIVES HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUED A HEALTH INSURANCE CARD. THE UNIT MANAGING THE MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK SHALL ESTABLISH A LIST AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS AND SUBMIT TO THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SOCIAL INSURANCE OR PROVINCE SOCIAL INSURANCE TO REQUEST THE ISSUE OF HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS FOR THE RELATIVES OF MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK. AT THAT TIME, THE RIGHTS OF THE RELATIVES SHALL BE ENJOYED ACCORDING TO THE PARTICIPANT CATEGORY AND THE RESIDENCE AREA OF THE MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK. QUARTERLY, THE SOCIAL INSURANCE AUTHORITY ISSUING THE HEALTH INSURANCE CARD TO THE RELATIVES OF MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ESTABLISHING A LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN HEALTH INSURANCE AND SUBMITTING IT TO THE PROVINCE SOCIAL INSURANCE WHERE THE RELATIVES OF MILITARY PERSONNEL OR PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN CLASSIFIED WORK REGISTER THEIR PERMANENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS TO AVOID DUPLICATE ISSUANCE OF HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS.

Article 7. Duration of Health Insurance Card Usage

1. From January 1, 2016, the duration of Health Insurance Card (BHYT) usage for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular shall be as follows:

a) For the subjects specified in Clauses 1 and 2: a maximum of 12 months from the first day of the month following the month when the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense or the Social Insurance Department of the province receives complete files in accordance with regulations to December 31 of that year;

b) For the subjects specified in Points a and b of Clause 3: For the first academic year, the usage period starts from the first day of the month following the month when the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete files and funding for health insurance contributions according to regulations until December 31 of the following year. The usage period for subsequent academic years is a maximum of 12 months, starting from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete files and funding for health insurance contributions according to regulations until December 31 of that year. For the final year of the course, the usage period starts from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete files and funding for health insurance contributions according to regulations until the end of the month concluding the academic year;

c) For the subject specified in Point c of Clause 3: a maximum of 24 months from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense or the Social Insurance Department of the province receives complete files in accordance with regulations. The Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense shall specify the specific usage period for the card suitable for the group of subjects including family members of military personnel and civil servants managed by the Ministry of Defense;

d) For the subject specified in Clause 4: For the first academic year, the usage period starts from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete files and funding for health insurance contributions according to regulations until December 31 of the following year. The usage period for subsequent academic years is a maximum of 12 months, starting from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete funding for health insurance contributions and files according to regulations until December 31 of that year. For the final year of the course, the usage period starts from the date the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense receives complete files and funding for health insurance contributions according to regulations until the end of the month concluding the academic year;

2. Duration of Health Insurance Card usage for certain cases:

a) Workers sent abroad for study or work, the continuous participation period in health insurance includes the time spent studying or working abroad until the decision to return to work is made by the sending agency or organization;

b) Workers going to work abroad, during the 60-day period from the date of entry back into the country, if participating in health insurance, the continuous participation period in health insurance includes the entire time spent working abroad and the time from returning to the country to the date of health insurance participation;

c) Workers during the period of procedures to claim unemployment benefits according to the Labor Law, if not participating in health insurance under other groups, the continuous participation period in health insurance includes the time spent on procedures to claim unemployment benefits according to the Labor Law;

d) Family members of military personnel and civil servants issued health insurance cards by the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense in cases specified in Clause 5 of Article 6 of this Circular, the level of health insurance benefit corresponds to the group of subjects defined in Article 22 of the amended and supplemented Health Insurance Law; the duration and value of using the health insurance card are regulated in Article 5 of the Joint Circular No. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC;

đ) For the subject specified in Point c of Clause 3 of Article 1 of this Circular, who are family members of non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and cadets at civil service schools: After undergoing a health check-up, organizational stabilization, and establishment of records, the receiving unit guides the declaration, examination, and compilation of a list of eligible family members for military personnel and civil servant health insurance benefits, reporting to the Social Insurance Department under the Ministry of Defense. The duration of health insurance card usage corresponds to the service period for family members of non-commissioned officers and soldiers implementing the Military Service Law or 24 months for family members of cadets at military schools and civil service schools.

Article 8. Documents for Issuing Health Insurance Cards

1. The documents for issuing health insurance cards include:

a) The application form of the health insurance participant or the application form filled out by military personnel or civil servants on behalf of their dependents, which is kept by units at brigade level or higher or by agencies and organizations using civil servants;

b) A list of health insurance participants prepared by units at division level or higher or by agencies and organizations using civil servants, accompanied by electronic data provided by the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province;

c) A request for issuing health insurance cards prepared by units at division level or higher or by agencies and organizations using civil servants;

d) A confirmation letter from the unit leader regarding the dependents living with military personnel, as stipulated in Clause 5, Article 6 of this Circular;

đ) A confirmation letter from the competent authority regarding the subjects specified in Point c, Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular who are legitimate children aged 18 years or older with disabilities as defined by law;

e) Forms and documents for issuing health insurance cards issued by the Vietnam Social Security, consistent with the management of subjects by the Ministry of National Defense after coordination with the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense.

2. Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete documents as specified in Points b, c, d, and đ (if applicable) of Clause 1 of this Article for the subjects specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 1 of this Circular, or from the date of receiving sufficient funds for health insurance contributions and documents as required for the subjects specified in Clause 4 of Article 1 of this Circular, the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province shall print and transfer health insurance cards to units at division level or higher or to agencies and organizations using civil servants; monthly, they shall send consolidated notifications of the number of health insurance cards issued and transferred in that month to relevant agencies, organizations, and units.

Article 9. Reissuing and Exchanging Health Insurance Cards

1. The Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense shall reissue and exchange health insurance cards for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular under the management of the Ministry of National Defense, confirming the time of reissuance and exchange upon request from social security agencies or health insurance treatment facilities; the Social Security Department of the province shall reissue and exchange health insurance cards for other civil servants in confidential organizations and dependents of civil servants in other ministries, sectors, and localities, confirming the time of reissuance and exchange upon request from social security agencies or health insurance treatment facilities.

2. Procedures and sequence for reissuing and exchanging health insurance cards:

a) An application form for changing information to reissue or exchange health insurance cards for the subjects specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 4, and Points a and b of Clause 3 of Article 1 of this Circular, or for military personnel, civil servants, and students in confidential organizations for the subjects specified in Point c of Clause 3 of Article 1 of this Circular, with confirmation from the direct unit leader according to the model prescribed by the Vietnam Social Security;

b) Damaged, torn, or malfunctioning health insurance cards; in case of loss, there must be a confirmation from the People's Committee or police station of the place of residence or workplace;

c) Within seven working days from the date of receiving complete documents as specified in Points a and b of this Clause, the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province must transfer health insurance cards to the requesting unit or individual. During the waiting period for reissuance or exchange, the health insurance participant continues to enjoy the rights of a health insurance participant.

3. Fees for reissuing and exchanging health insurance cards:

a) Fees for reissuing and exchanging health insurance cards and the management and use of such fees shall be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Finance;

b) The requesting unit for reissuing and exchanging health insurance cards is responsible for collecting fees from the person being reissued or exchanged according to the regulations, transferring them to the financial department at the same level to the financial department subordinate to the Ministry of National Defense or the financial department subordinate to another ministry, sector, province, or centrally-administered city. Annually, at the same time as settling the income and expenditure of social insurance and health insurance, the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province will reconcile the number of reissued and exchanged cards and the amount of fees to be collected and transfer them to the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province for management.

Article 10. Recovery and Temporary Detention of Health Insurance Cards

1. The recovery and temporary detention of health insurance cards (BHYT) for subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular shall be carried out according to the amended and supplemented provisions of Article 20 of the Law on Health Insurance, specifically as follows:

a) Recovery of the card in the following cases:

Fraud in the declaration for issuance of the health insurance card.

When no longer eligible to participate in health insurance as stipulated in Article 1 of this Circular.

The person named on the card has died or the health insurance card of a relative has been recovered when a military personnel or civil servant ceases service in the Military or Civil Service (retirement, transfer to another profession, discharge, demobilization, resignation).

The person named on the card continues to participate in health insurance but fails to pay, pays insufficiently, or delays payment of health insurance premiums.

Duplicate issuance or incorrect issuance of the health insurance card.

Leaving the health insurance card at a medical facility or failing to settle the co-payment expenses as prescribed for the medical facility.

b) The health insurance card will be temporarily detained if the person seeking medical care uses someone else's health insurance card.

2. The management unit of the subject or the place where the violation is discovered shall be responsible for recovering or temporarily detaining the health insurance card and transferring it to the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province where the health insurance card was issued for handling and dealing with according to the law.

3. A person who lends their health insurance card to others for medical treatment shall be dealt with according to the law.

Article 11. Contracting and Terminating Contracts for Issuing Health Insurance Cards

1. Units managing subjects specified in Clauses 3 and 4 of Article 1 of this Circular (for relatives of active-duty military personnel, units subordinate to the Ministry of National Defense) shall enter into contracts for issuing health insurance cards with the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense; the contract for issuing health insurance cards for relatives of military personnel must be signed no later than December 31 of the planning year.

2. Terminating the contract for issuing health insurance cards

a) For subjects specified in Clause 3 (except Point c) and Clause 4 of Article 1 of this Circular, no later than December 31 each year, the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense shall be responsible for compiling the number of health insurance cards issued corresponding to the amount due and sending them to the unit. The unit shall check, reconcile, and proceed to terminate the contract with the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense according to regulations.

b) For subjects specified in Point c of Clause 3 of Article 1 of this Circular, by October 31 each year, the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense shall be responsible for compiling and sending the handover record of health insurance cards and fees for reissuance and replacement (accompanied by a list of reissuance and replacement) to the subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense. The subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense shall be responsible for checking, reconciling, and proceeding to terminate according to regulations.

3. The Social Security Department of the province shall enter into contracts and terminate contracts for issuing health insurance cards for relatives of civil servants working in confidential positions with agencies and organizations using civil servants working in confidential positions in other ministries, sectors, and localities.

Chapter III

METHODS OF PAYING MEDICAL EXPENSES UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE

Article 12. Methods of Paying Medical Expenses Under Health Insurance Between the Social Security Agency and Medical Facilities

1. The method of paying medical expenses at health insurance medical facilities shall be implemented according to the provisions of Article 5 of Decree No. 105/2014/ND-CP and Articles 10, 11, and 12 of Joint Circular No. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC.

2. The Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security Department of the province shall coordinate with health insurance medical facilities to select appropriate payment methods and include these in the health insurance medical treatment contracts.

Article 13. Payment of medical examination and treatment costs directly between the Social Insurance Agency and health insurance participants

1. The cases for direct payment, payment levels, application forms, and deadlines for direct payment shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Articles 14, 15, and 16 of Circular Joint Circular No. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC.

2. Responsibilities for payment:

a) The Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense shall make direct payments for cases where individuals hold health insurance cards issued by the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense, who have registered for initial medical examinations and treatments at military healthcare facilities that have contracts with the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense for health insurance medical examinations and treatments.

b) The Social Insurance Agency of the province shall make direct payments for cases where individuals hold health insurance cards issued by the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Insurance Agency of the province, who have registered for initial medical examinations and treatments at healthcare facilities that have contracts with the Social Insurance Agency of the province for health insurance medical examinations and treatments.

Chapter IV

MANAGEMENT AND USE OF HEALTH INSURANCE FUNDS

Article 14. Management and use of health insurance funds for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular

1. Monthly, the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Agency of the province shall be responsible for transferring the entire amount of health insurance revenue from the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular to the Vietnam Social Security.

2. Quarterly, based on the budgeted expenditure of the health insurance fund for medical examinations and treatments of the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Agency of the province as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 6 of Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP, the Vietnam Social Security shall be responsible for providing sufficient and timely funding to implement advance payments and settle medical examination and treatment costs for units and healthcare facilities that have contracts with the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Agency of the province.

3. Annually, based on the health insurance revenue allocated for medical examinations and treatments and the settled expenditure for medical examinations and treatments of the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular, if the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense has more revenue than expenditure in a year, the Vietnam Social Security shall be responsible for transferring the portion of funds used for the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense according to Point b, Clause 4, Article 6 of Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP.

Based on the unused funds, the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Military Health Bureau and the Finance Department of the Ministry of National Defense to develop a plan for use according to Point b, Clause 4, Article 6 of Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP, to be submitted to the Minister of National Defense for decision. Based on the Decision of the Ministry of National Defense, the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense shall transfer funds to units for implementation. Units allocated funds shall be responsible for managing and using them according to current regulations and settling accounts with the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense to consolidate into the settlement of expenditures of the health insurance fund of the Ministry of National Defense ensuring the purpose, effectiveness, transparency, and clarity.

4. The Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Agency of the province shall allocate and manage funds for primary healthcare services according to Points b and c, Clause 1, Article 3 of Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP as follows:

a) 1% of the total health insurance contributions of agencies, units, and enterprises;

b) 7% of the total health insurance revenue calculated based on the total number of students and trainees currently studying at schools;

c) Conditions, scale of organization, contents of expenditure, and settlement of sources of funds allocated for primary healthcare services shall be carried out according to the provisions set out in Article 18 of Joint Circular No. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC.

5. The management costs of the health insurance fund of the Social Insurance Agency under the Ministry of National Defense shall be guaranteed by the Vietnam Social Security and implemented according to the provisions set out in Article 8 of Decree No. 105/2014/NĐ-CP.

6. Management and use of the health insurance fund at the Social Insurance Agency of the province for personnel working in other organizations under the State Secretariat and their dependents in other Ministries, sectors, and localities shall be carried out according to the current delegation level.

Article 15. Establishing Budget Estimates and Final Accounts for the Health Insurance Fund

1. Annually, the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces shall establish budget estimates for revenue and expenditure of the health insurance fund for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular and the management costs of the health insurance fund of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces shall report to the Vietnam Social Security in accordance with regulations; at the same time, report to the Minister of National Defense or the head of the agency or organization using the secret code to issue decisions allocating budget estimates for revenue and expenditure of health insurance to units for implementation.

2. Annually, the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces shall report final accounts of the health insurance fund to the Vietnam Social Security based on the final account figures with medical examination and treatment facilities, other social security agencies, the Multi-Tier Medical Examination and Treatment Claim Settlement Centers, and the amount of funds allocated for primary healthcare services for units as prescribed.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 16. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Social Security

1. Direct and guide the implementation of health insurance for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular in accordance with the organizational characteristics of the Ministry of National Defense and the secret service organizations.

2. Provide health insurance card templates to the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces to implement the issuance of health insurance cards for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular.

3. Based on the reports from the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces, propose the Ministry of Finance to ensure funding for health insurance contributions for the subjects specified in Clauses 3 and 4 of Article 1 of this Circular that are covered by the state budget or supported; provide management funds for the health insurance fund for the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces in accordance with their characteristics, scope of activities, and requirements for managing and implementing health insurance within the Ministry of National Defense and the secret service organizations.

4. Direct the Multi-Tier Medical Examination and Treatment Claim Settlement Centers to sign contracts, conduct audits, and settle medical examination and treatment expenses.

5. Annually, promptly notify the medical examination and treatment expenses transferred out through the multi-tier system (including direct payments) to the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Security of the provinces to balance the medical examination and treatment health insurance fund.

6. Direct the Social Security of the provinces:

a) Issue health insurance cards to the subjects under their management and the dependents of military personnel and secret service personnel specified in Points e, g, and h of Clause 3 of Article 12 of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Health Insurance Law to ensure the rights of health insurance participants; confirm the non-establishment of lists for issuing health insurance cards for cases specified in Clause 5 of Article 6 of this Circular;

b) Before September 30 each year, provide the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense with a list of medical examination and treatment facilities for notification and guidance to military units to register for initial medical examination and treatment at medical examination and treatment facilities in the province as health insurance participants issued health insurance cards by the Social Security of the province;

c) Sign medical examination and treatment contracts with military medical facilities; allocate health insurance cards of health insurance participants in the area reasonably among military medical facilities for medical examination and treatment;

d) Guide, sign contracts, advance funds, and settle medical examination and treatment expenses for military units with military medical facilities located in remote, border, and island areas to implement primary healthcare and medical examination and treatment for health insurance card holders in the area;

đ) Ensure the right to medical examination and treatment for health insurance card holders issued by the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense who have registered for initial medical examination and treatment at medical examination and treatment facilities within the management area;

e) Inspect and audit medical examination and treatment expenses for health insurance card holders issued by the Social Security of the Ministry of National Defense when they travel to receive medical examination and treatment at medical examination and treatment facilities contracted by the Social Security of the province for medical examination and treatment;

g) Implement health insurance for personnel working in other positions in secret service organizations and dependents of secret service personnel in other ministries, sectors, and localities in accordance with the organizational characteristics of the secret service force.

Article 17. Responsibilities of the Provincial Department of Health

1. Take the lead and coordinate with the Social Insurance Office of the province to direct and guide medical facilities providing health insurance services to organize the implementation of medical examination and treatment for health insurance participants according to this Circular, as with other health insurance participants in the locality.

2. Direct and guide military-civilian medical facilities to organize the implementation of health insurance medical examination and treatment.

Article 18. Responsibilities of the Military Health Service under the Ministry of National Defense

1. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to study, advise, and propose health insurance policies and benefits for subjects managed by the Ministry of National Defense and their dependents.

2. Organize the military health system, build specialized technical levels suitable for the organizational requirements of the Armed Forces, meeting the needs of healthcare for soldiers and implementing health insurance medical examination and treatment for health insurance participants.

3. Annually, before September 30, take the lead in reviewing and notifying the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Office of the province the list of military medical facilities that meet the conditions for health insurance medical examination and treatment.

4. Develop programs and plans for health insurance development within the Ministry of National Defense.

5. Promote and disseminate health insurance policies and laws.

6. Inspect the organization and management of health insurance medical examination and treatment at military medical facilities.

7. Coordinate with the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of National Defense and the Financial Management Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense to develop plans for using the health insurance fund in cases of surplus as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 14 of this Circular.

Article 19. Responsibilities of the Financial Management Bureau under the Ministry of National Defense

1. Take the lead and coordinate with the Military Health Service under the Ministry of National Defense and relevant agencies to advise on the implementation of financial policies for health insurance suitable for the organizational characteristics and activities of the Armed Forces.

2. Ensure state budget funds for health insurance contributions for subjects managed by the Ministry of National Defense and their dependents; direct financial departments of units to collect, pay, and settle health insurance finances in accordance with regulations.

3. Audit, inspect, guide, and manage the implementation of legal provisions on health insurance finance within the Ministry of National Defense.

4. Coordinate with the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Health Service under the Ministry of National Defense to develop plans for using the health insurance fund in cases of surplus as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 14 of this Circular.

Article 20. Responsibilities of the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of National Defense

1. Take the lead in implementing the following contents:

a) Guide and implement all business operations of health insurance; summarize and evaluate the management and organization of health insurance work; develop long-term, medium-term, and short-term plans for health insurance development within the Ministry of National Defense;

b) Manage the collection, expenditure, and use of the health insurance fund within the Ministry of National Defense in accordance with the law; audit the collection and payment of health insurance within the Ministry of National Defense;

c) Report periodically or urgently to the Ministry of National Defense and the Vietnam Social Security on the implementation of health insurance policies within the Ministry of National Defense as required by competent authorities;

d) Coordinate with the Military Health Service under the Ministry of National Defense and the Financial Management Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense to develop plans for using the health insurance fund, in cases of surplus (if any), as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 14 of this Circular. Sign contracts and organize the implementation of health insurance medical examination and treatment contracts with military medical facilities;

đ) Promote and disseminate health insurance policies and laws within the Ministry of National Defense;

e) Organize training and capacity building for health insurance staff within the Ministry of National Defense;

2. Organize the appraisal, advance payment, settlement, and finalization of costs for health insurance medical examination and treatment with military medical facilities providing health insurance medical examination and treatment contracted by the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of National Defense (if applicable).

3. Pay multi-level costs for health insurance medical examination and treatment for subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular who have health insurance medical examination and treatment contracts signed by the Social Insurance Office of the province with the Vietnam Social Security as prescribed.

4. Apply information technology in managing all health insurance activities within the Ministry of National Defense; guide the implementation of health insurance forms and templates in accordance with the Vietnam Social Security's regulations, suitable for the characteristics of the Armed Forces.

5. Coordinate with the Military Health Service under the Ministry of National Defense and the Social Insurance Office of the province to guide the implementation of initial registration for medical examination and treatment suitable for the characteristics of the Armed Forces.

Article 21. Responsibilities of agencies and units under the Ministry of National Defense

1. Agencies under the Ministry of National Defense (the Personnel Department, the Military Service Department, the Policy Department), within their respective duties and authorities, shall be responsible for coordinating to study, advise, and propose health insurance policies for individuals managed by the Ministry of National Defense and relatives of military personnel and civil servants.

2. The Military Service Department/Bureau of General Staff, the Personnel Department/Political General Department shall be responsible for directing their sectors to disseminate and implement health insurance policies to individuals under their management, who will declare, list, and report to the Health Insurance Center of the Ministry of National Defense for health insurance card issuance; coordinate with financial units at the same level to allocate funds for health insurance contributions, serving as the basis for financial agencies to develop annual financial plans for health insurance revenue and expenditure.

3. Units directly under the Ministry of National Defense:

a) Implement health insurance for individuals managed by their agencies and units and relatives of military personnel and civil servants in accordance with the provisions of the law and this Circular;

b) Verify information provided by military personnel, workers, students, and trainees to compile lists for health insurance card issuance to the Health Insurance Center of the Ministry of National Defense. In cases where units fail to promptly request cards and individuals seek medical treatment, the unit shall bear responsibility for the medical examination and treatment costs for health insurance participants;

c) Receive and distribute health insurance cards to participating individuals. For military personnel stationed in remote, border, or island areas without the means to send cards to their relatives, the unit shall be responsible for transferring the health insurance cards to local authorities for distribution to relatives;

d) Military schools shall organize health insurance implementation for individuals specified in Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 1 of this Circular throughout the duration of their studies;

đ) Organize representatives of workers and employers to exercise rights and responsibilities as stipulated in Articles 44 and 45 of the Health Insurance Law;

e) Annually prepare budget estimates for health insurance implementation (along with social insurance revenue and expenditure budgets) for the following year and report to the higher-level financial agency up to the Financial Department of the Ministry of National Defense and the Health Insurance Center of the Ministry of National Defense; implement health insurance collection and payment according to Articles 3 and 4 of this Circular;

g) Promote and disseminate health insurance policies and laws to individuals under their management.

Article 22. Responsibilities of other Ministries, sectors, and localities using civil servants

1. Guide the preparation of declaration forms and registration for initial medical examination and treatment facilities for individuals specified in Article 1 of this Circular.

2. Annually prepare budget estimates and submit them to higher-level financial agencies as prescribed, and receive funding for health insurance contributions for individuals specified in Article 1 of this Circular (both within and outside the working area).

3. Directly sign health insurance card issuance contracts with provincial social insurance agencies in the working areas of other ministries, sectors, and localities for individuals under their management as stipulated in this Circular.

4. Receive health insurance cards for individuals under their management (both within and outside the working area) and transfer them to the individuals.

5. Implement health insurance for individuals under the jurisdiction of other ministries, sectors, and localities according to this Circular.

Article 23. Responsibilities of individuals implementing the health insurance policy

1. Prepare the Health Insurance Registration Form according to the prescribed model and bear legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

2. Upon receiving the Health Insurance Card, check and verify the contents recorded on the card; if they are incorrect, return the Health Insurance Card to the unit for transfer back to the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province.

3. Have the responsibility to fully perform the obligations of a health insurance participant; have the right to request the Social Security organization, health insurance medical facilities, and related agencies to explain and provide information about the health insurance system; have the right to lodge complaints and denunciations against violations of laws on health insurance.

4. Safeguard and manage the Health Insurance Card; in case the Health Insurance Card is lost, promptly report it to the Social Security Department under the Ministry of National Defense or the Social Security Department of the province to obtain a replacement; if not reported promptly, the individual must bear the full cost of medical examination and treatment during the period the card was lost.

5. In cases where they are relatives of two or more active-duty military personnel or civil servants, the registration shall be carried out as follows:

The relative residing in the same household with the person concerned shall be responsible for registering; if not residing in the same household, the person responsible for registering shall be prioritized in the following order: son, daughter, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, legally adopted child (if in the same generation, the eldest child shall register); if both parents are active-duty military personnel or civil servants, or one parent is an active-duty military personnel and the other is a public security officer or a civil servant, the mother shall be responsible for registering for the children.

If the registration is not carried out in the specified order, the person with favorable conditions shall register, but must report the reasons clearly and bear responsibility for the registration, which must be confirmed by the head of the management unit at the regiment level or higher.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 24. Provisions on Application

1. Management and implementation of health insurance for other staff in confidential organizations and their relatives in other ministries, sectors, and localities shall be organized by the Social Security Department of the province.

2. Organization of health insurance medical examinations and treatments; settlement of health insurance medical examination and treatment costs; management and utilization of the health insurance fund for the subjects specified in Article 1 of this Circular shall be implemented in accordance with Joint Circular No. 41/2014/TTLT-BYT-BTC dated November 24, 2014, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance guiding the implementation of health insurance.

3. Any referenced documents in this Circular, when amended, supplemented, or replaced by other documents, the referenced contents shall also be adjusted accordingly.

Article 25. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from June 1, 2016.

2. The following documents shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect:

a) Joint Circular No. 25/2010/TTLT-BQP-BYT-BTC dated March 5, 2010, issued by the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance guiding the management and implementation of health insurance for workers in the military and relatives of active-duty military personnel;

b) Joint Circular No. 03/2012/TTLT-BQP-BYT-BTC dated January 16, 2012, issued by the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance guiding the implementation of health insurance for other staff in confidential organizations and relatives of those currently engaged in confidential work.

During the process of implementation, if there are difficulties, please report them promptly to the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance for consideration and resolution./.