There is an ongoing debate on recent changes to the national health insurance, Medishield life that covers all Singaporeans and permanent residents paying for large medical bills if they stay in designated wards of government-run hospitals. But if patients want the option of a better ward or a privately-run hospital or choose their own specialist doctors, they need to upgrade their plan offered as Integrated Shield Plans (IP).
Salient changes that have recently been made to IPs include limiting new IP buyers to purchase only partial coverage that will require them to co-pay at least 5% of the bill if they see a doctor from the insurer-approved panel. While this increases out-of-pocket expenditure for the policyholder, private sector doctors say it excludes many important specialties and subspecialties.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health is looking into formalizing a pro-team committee to look into these issues and others with the Integrated Shield Plans to serve the best interests of the patients and the policyholders.
To know more read The Business Times article here.
Image credits: Money crashers
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