Impact of Higher Co-payment Requirements on IP Policyholders with Medical Conditions Requiring Ongoing Treatment and Safeguards against Significant Out-of-pocket Cost Increases

65 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the impact assessment of higher co-payment requirements on Integrated Shield Plan policyholders with chronic or serious medical conditions requiring ongoing treatment; and (b) whether transitional measures are being considered to mitigate significant increases in out-of-pocket healthcare costs for such affected policyholders.

66 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry's long-term approach for the migration of Integrated Shield Plan (IP) policyholders with existing IP riders to the new rider framework; and (b) whether further safeguards are being considered to provide greater certainty for long-standing IP policyholders.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: As the Ministry of Health's new requirements on Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders apply prospectively to new rider policyholders, no transitional measures are required. That said, some existing IP rider policyholders also transited to the new IP riders. We believe most will consult their financial advisors and make their own calculations, balancing savings in premiums against higher co-payments. Individual insurers will further study and determine their own approach for existing rider policyholders who purchased their IP riders on or before 26 November 2025.