Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Long-term Symptoms of COVID-19 and Available Financial Support
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns medical coverage and treatment guidelines for patients experiencing "Long COVID," as raised by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung explained that while "Long COVID" is not a distinct diagnosis, clinical management guidelines exist for physician monitoring and specialist referrals. He stated that the government covers follow-up Specialist Outpatient Clinic visits for up to 90 days post-discharge for public health monitoring of vaccinated residents. For other post-recovery care, patients utilize regular healthcare financing such as government subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave. Finally, those facing affordability issues may receive assistance through schemes like MediFund if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Transcript
43 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health whether vaccinated persons who are infected with COVID-19 and who still face long-term symptoms of COVID-19 or “Long COVID” will have their medical expenses covered by the Government and, if so, for how long.
44 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider implementing official guidance on best practices for diagnosing and treating patients facing long-term symptoms of COVID-19 or “Long COVID” and the available subsidies or support from specialised treatment centres for such patients.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: "Long COVID" is not a distinct medical condition or a formal diagnosis and refers to persons who have lingering symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Such patients with persisting symptoms would be assessed and monitored by their physicians and, where needed, referred for specialist care. We have also issued guidance on the approach to patients with persistent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, as part of broader COVID-19 clinical management guidelines.
For vaccinated Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders (SCs/PRs/LTPHs) who have recovered from acute COVID-19 infection, but continue to remain symptomatic, MOH provides coverage for follow-up Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) visits for up to 90 days post-discharge, if the follow-up is required on public health grounds. In these visits, monitoring and/or retesting would be done to ensure that patients are no longer infectious. If other types of post-COVID-19 care is required, patients will continue to have access to the regular healthcare financing coverage, such as Government subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave where applicable, to help pay for their bills. Should there be affordability issues, they may also be assisted by prevailing financial assistance schemes, such as the use of MediFund, if eligible.