http://sg.news.yahoo.com/proposed-changes-to-medishield-scheme-in-2013-to-see-higher-lifetime-claims-and-increased-premiums--.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The last round of adjustment was made in 2008.
With the enhancements, MediShield coverage will be extended to include congenital and neo-natal conditions.
This will be implemented via an auto-cover exercise, which means all newborns of Singaporeans and permanent residents will be covered from birth throughout their lifetime, unless their parents opt out from it.
The MOH will garner views from various quarters, including from doctors and parents, before making a final decision, adding that the support of parents is crucial, as a high opt-out rate would reduce the benefit of risk-pooling and result in higher premiums.
The proposed coverage will cost about S$12 per year, or about S$1 per month, and a public consultation will be launched from 18 July to 15 August 15 to gather feedback. Singaporeans may also send their feedback to moh_info@moh.gov.sg.
Under other changes, the Health Ministry will:
1) Extend MediShield coverage to two groups of policyholders: Those up to 90 years old, from 85 previously; and newly-diagnosed patients who need in-patient psychiatric treatment, with daily claim limit capped at S$100.
2) In addition, MediShield will also cover short-stay wards in the hospitals' emergency departments, when the changes take effect.
3) With the proposed enhancements, claims will also be increased. From next year, patients will be able to claim up to S$70,000 for their hospital bills annually, up from the current S$50,000.
4) The lifetime claims limit will be adjusted from S$200,000 to S$300,000 to help patients who face large medical bills.
To pay for these changes, MediShield premiums and deductibles -- the amount of a hospital bill a patient has to pay before MediShield coverage kicks in -- will have to increase.
5) The deductibles for bills from a Class C ward will increase from S$1,000 to S$1,500 and from S$1,500 to S$2,000 for Class B2 bills.
As for premiums, the Health Minister said the increase will amount to no more than S$5 per month for the majority of policyholders aged 65 and below.
For those older, their premiums will be largely offset by the annual and one-time Medisave top-ups, such that they will in fact see a decrease in premiums payable.
In the Budget this year, a one-time Medisave top-up of up to S$33 per month was announced to help Singaporeans absorb the impact of the increase.
Medisave top-ups of up to $450 a year under the GST Voucher scheme can also offset the premium, MOH added.
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