Hospital Claims for Patients Warded before MediShield Life Effective Date

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Health whether patients in hospitals as at 1 November 2015 are able to claim for benefits under MediShield Life even though they were warded in hospitals before MediShield Life took effect on that date.

The Minister for Health (Mr Gan Kim Yong): Madam, MediShield Life coverage is applicable for patients who were admitted on or after 1 November 2015. Individuals with existing MediShield coverage who were admitted before 1 November 2015 will continue to receive benefits under old MediShield. This approach is consistent with the approach taken in past MediShield enhancements and provide a clear transition at the start of MediShield Life. This was communicated in MOH's various publicity materials, including booklets on MediShield Life sent to each household.

Significant government subsidies of up to 80% are also available for those who use subsidised treatment in our public hospitals. Patients can also tap on Medisave for their share of the healthcare bills.

Again, patients who face financial difficulties can approach the Medical Social Workers at the public hospitals for assistance, such as tapping on Medifund.

Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Thank you, Mdm Speaker. May I ask the Minister for Health, I have a resident who have exceeded the age for MediShield, the pre-MediShield Life insurance. Rather than getting that patient discharged and then re-admitted after 1 November, would it not be better for Ministry of Health to automatically allow a patient in those circumstances to be eligible for MediShield Life; rather than force them to be discharged and then re-admitted.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Madam, I would like to clarify that our patients' circumstances vary and, therefore, it is difficult for a universal scheme like MediShield Life to cater to each and everyone's unique circumstances at the transition point. I can understand the angst of the patient that Mr Lim referred to. I will encourage the patient or Mr Lim to refer the case to us, and we will take a look at the specifics of the case and see how we can help them, including providing financial assistance, or looking at other ways to help them. The best way is to let us know the specific cases and we will see how we can tailor our assistance scheme to support them.