New scheme to help with kids’ healthcare costs

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http://www.todayonline.com/new-scheme-help-kids-healthcare-costs

From March 2013, middle- and lower-income families can tap on a new Medifund Junior scheme — with S$8 million allocated by the Government each year — to defray healthcare costs for their children below 18, the Ministry of Health said yesterday.

As part of the enhanced marriage and parenthood package announced on Monday, the Government will be extending MediShield coverage to congenital and neonatal conditions. All Singaporean babies born on or after March 1 will automatically be covered by MediShield from birth, without having to be assessed for pre-existing conditions, if their parents do not opt them out.

All existing policyholders will automatically receive coverage for any congenital conditions diagnosed on or after March 1.

The new Medifund Junior scheme will also provide assistance to children of families who may not qualify for MediShield coverage for congenital and neonatal conditions.

On Monday, the Government also said that it will set up a Medisave account and deposit a one-off grant of S$3,000 over two tranches for all Singapore citizens born on or after Aug 26 last year.