$inkies on integrated medishield life healthcare plans ought to receive zero subsidy

Parliament passes MediShield Life Scheme Bill
By Leong Wai Kit, News 5 Tonight
POSTED: 29 Jan 2015
URL: Parliament passes MediShield Life Scheme Bill - Channel NewsAsia

Those who end up having to pay higher premiums when they move from the MediShield scheme to the MediShield Life scheme will get more subsidies from the Government.
SINGAPORE: Parliament on Thursday (Jan 29) passed the MediShield Life Scheme Bill, which will provide universal insurance coverage for all Singaporeans.
The Health Ministry is also reviewing the list of pre-existing medical conditions which warrant additional premiums and will inform Singaporeans who are affected.
To help Singapore citizens who will have to pay higher premiums - despite various subsidies - the Government has raised what is known as transitional subsidies.
In the first year, all citizens will get 90 per cent subsidy on the net increase in premium - instead of 80 per cent announced previously. In the second year, they will get 70 per cent subsidy - instead of 60 per cent. They will enjoy 40 per cent subsidy in the third year and 20 per cent in the fourth year.
The Health Ministry on Thursday (Jan 29) said it will begin checks to calculate each household's eligibility for MediShield Life premium subsidies in a few months' time.
For the data to be accurate, Singaporeans will need to update their address in their IC. There will also be letters sent to them in a few months' time, to give them more information on how to confirm their estimated household make up.

ISSUES RAISED BY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
More than 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) rose and spoke about the Bill. Among the issues raised was the confusion between MediShield Life and Integrated Shield plans, and whether Singaporeans have to pay for both MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan premiums.
Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor explained: "This is clearly not the case. Let me explain it this way. MediShield as it is today forms the foundation of all Integrated Shield Plans, and the IPs ride on this foundation to provide additional coverage targeting the Class B1/A wards or private hospitals.
"When MediShield Life is launched, it will become the new foundation. To use everyday language, MediShield Life is like plain Milo, which is tasty enough for most people. IPs are like Milo Dinosaur or Milo Godzilla, which taste even richer than Milo but will definitely cost more."

PRE-EXISTING ILLNESSES
Some MPs asked for more details regarding pre-existing conditions.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said: "MOH (Ministry of Health) is currently reviewing the list of serious pre-existing medical conditions, with specialist advice from clinicians, and will share more on the broad categories of such conditions later.
"The key focus would be on serious pre-existing medical conditions that are likely to be life threatening; or have high risk of future complications or recurrence, and therefore may require prolonged treatment."
Minister of State for Health Dr Lam Pin Min noted: "I would like to highlight again that the MediShield Life approach for identifying serious pre-existing conditions will be different from and more compassionate than the approach used by private insurance schemes. Less severe conditions such as pre-cancer, well-managed hypertension and diabetes with no complication will not be subject to additional premiums."
Responding to Nominated Member of Parliament Chia Yong Yong's question, Dr Lam said those who have to pay additional premiums can request for a review if they feel their health has got better.
The process of identifying Singaporeans with pre-existing illnesses will be done by assessing information already in Government databases and medical institutions, so that the majority do not need to undergo medical assessments or provide medical reports. This means that they do not need to submit any applications.
However, those who do not wish to have their information accessed can request to opt out. But they will then not be eligible for the subsidies.
The Health Ministry also stressed that it will do its best to help all Singaporeans - especially the lower-income group - to benefit from MediShield Life.
- CNA/ms

Click to expand...