Issues and Challenges Faced in Implementation of MediShield Life
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the implementation challenges and compliance rates of MediShield Life raised by Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported that the scheme has successfully provided coverage since 2015, with annual claims reaching $845 million in 2017. He noted that outreach efforts contributed to a high compliance rate, with only 1% of residents having unpaid premiums as of October 2017. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong highlighted that subsidies and Additional Premium Support are provided to assist low-income Singaporeans with payments. He assured that no individual will lose their insurance coverage due to genuine financial difficulties in paying for their premiums.
Transcript
20 Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Health (a) what have been the issues and challenges faced in the implementation of MediShield Life; (b) what has been the compliance rate; and (c) whether there has been any case where action had to be taken.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: MediShield Life was introduced in November 2015 as a universal healthcare insurance scheme that provides all Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) with lifelong coverage against large healthcare bills.
MediShield Life has been successfully implemented. Since its launch, around 300,000 SCs and PRs have made successful claims, including around 40,000 who were previously uninsured. Overall claims increased from $758 million in 2016 to $845 million in 2017.
To promote better understanding of MediShield Life and its features, roadshows were conducted in partnership with the media and community organisations. These include media advertisements and targeted outreach to seniors through the Pioneer Generation Office and Grassroots Organisations. These efforts have helped to raise public awareness and appreciation for MediShield Life.
With Government subsidies and financial assistance from Additional Premium Support, we have achieved a very high compliance rate for payment of MediShield Life premiums. As at end October 2017, about 1% of Singapore Residents have not fully paid their premiums. The Ministry of Health will continue to work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Central Provident Fund Board to follow up with these individuals and provide assistance to low-income Singaporeans. No one will lose their MediShield Life coverage due to genuine financial difficulties in paying for the premiums.