SETTLEMENT OF HOSPITAL BILLS

SETTLEMENT OF HOSPITAL BILLS

31.

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Health (a) how many patients have not been able to pay their hospital bills at all in 2006; (b) what steps has the Ministry or the hospitals taken to recover these arrears; and (c) what Government assistance will be available to these patients who really have no means to pay their bills.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The vast majority of our patients are able to settle their hospital bills. Last year, less than 1% of patient cases were not completely paid due to patients not being able to pay their bills in full. Only a tiny minority could not pay even any portion at all.

Debt recovery generally follows this procedure. A patient who does not pay up within a month will receive a reminder from the hospital. There will be a second reminder, if necessary, during the following month. When there is still no response, some hospitals may refer the case to a debt collection agency to collect the arrears on their behalf.

For patients who have expressed problems paying the hospital bills, the hospital would explore with them options for financial assistance, such as payment by instalments. Singaporeans who have genuine financial difficulties will be assisted through Medifund. Last year, Medifund provided about $40 million to help low-income Singaporeans with their medical bills.