Reviewing Regulation of Integrated Shield Plans to Align with National Healthcare Priorities and Patient Protection

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Mr Fadli Fawzi Mr Fadli Fawzi:

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Government has any plans to disallow Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers from offering "as-charged" or no-limit coverage for non-cancer treatments; and (b) if not, why not.

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether existing laws preventing profiteering and anti-competitive behaviours, such as collusion and price-fixing, among healthcare service providers and private insurers are sufficient; and (b) how does our regulatory framework compare to other developed countries.

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Government has any plans to further regulate the use of panel specialists by Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers, such as by mandating a minimum number of specialists per medical specialty or the contract durations of panel specialists; and (b) if not, why not.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: These questions are regarding the current state of private healthcare and insurance. Insurers, private hospitals, and providers have got themselves tied up in a knot, resulting in escalating private hospital bills, rising premiums and more safeguards introduced to the claims process. The concerns raised by Members point back to this deeper issue, which I will address in detail at the subsequent Sitting, together with other similar Parliamentary Questions filed.