Bangkok: The Social Security Office (SSO) is launching an initiative to expand and enhance benefits for insured individuals, including year-round influenza vaccinations and the integration of digital medical certificates. This initiative is part of the "Doctor Ready" program aimed at providing comprehensive care under Section 40.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kanjana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the SSO, announced these developments as a New Year gift for 2026, targeting improved health and quality of life for insured persons. The first initiative involves extending influenza vaccination services for individuals under Section 33 and Section 39, aged 50 and above, to be available throughout the year. Previously limited to May through August, the vaccination window will now span from January to December, effective from 2026.
This extension is designed to enhance service accessibility, allowing 273 medical facilities within the social security program to offer proactive services in compliance with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) standards. The trivalent influenza vaccines provided are in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Disease Control, MOPH.
Ms. Kanjana also highlighted the expansion of benefits for insured persons under Section 40, under the theme "Enhanced Benefits for a Happy Life with Section 40." The SSO has broadened coverage areas to include increased disability compensation, child allowances, income replacement for injuries or illnesses, and revised criteria for medical certificates related to COVID-19 infections. Additionally, amendments have been made regarding insured persons who pass away before age 60 or before receiving old-age benefits. Approximately 505,056 insured individuals under Section 40 are expected to benefit, with an estimated total of 743.39 million baht allocated.
Moreover, the SSO has introduced special discounts and collaborations with private sector organizations, alongside establishing a Section 40 marketplace on the SSO Plus application. This platform facilitates online purchases and offers additional benefits to insured persons and the public.
The SSO is also advancing benefit reimbursement processes by integrating the "Doctor Ready" digital medical certificate system with the Ministry of Public Health's Digital Health Platform and the electronic reimbursement system for Section 40 benefits (e-Self Service). This integration is anticipated to benefit around 188,100 insured individuals under Section 40.
"These initiatives signify the Social Security Office's dedication to providing equitable and modern care to all insured individuals, enhancing service accessibility, and addressing the quality of life needs effectively," Ms. Kanjana remarked.