1. Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, and Minister of State for Health, Mr Chee Hong Tat, chaired a dialogue session with 400 grassroots leaders at the Grassroots Club this afternoon, as part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to reach out to Singaporeans in the run-up to the start of MediShield Life.
2. Minister Gan said, “From tomorrow, we will achieve universal healthcare coverage for all Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs). 3.9 million Singapore Residents will be covered by MediShield Life, including about 340,000 who do not have MediShield today. Under MediShield Life, all Singaporeans will benefit from better protection against large hospital bills for life, regardless of age or health conditions”.
3. With the start of MediShield Life, all SCs and PRs will enjoy the enhanced benefits for hospital admissions on or after1 November 2015, although premiums will be payable only on their next policy renewal date.
4. Minister Gan reiterated that premiums would remain affordable. He said, “The Government will help Singapore Residents with their MediShield Life premiums by providing various subsidies. The Government is committed to ensuring that premiums are affordable. No one will lose MediShield Life coverage due to the inability to pay for their premiums”.
5. Minister Gan thanked the MediShield Life Review Committee chaired by Mr Bobby Chin, and fellow Singaporeans who had supported the review and given their feedback. He also expressed appreciation to members of the MediShield Life Council, which has been set up to review the administration of the MediShield Life scheme, and ensure that it is in line with the policy intent. In addition, Minister Gan thanked partners such as the People’s Association, the Pioneer Generation Office, grassroots leaders and volunteers who had been helping to communicate this scheme to Singaporeans.
6. Minister Gan added that even after the launch of MediShield Life, the Ministry of Health would continue its outreach to help Singaporeans better understand the scheme. It would also continue to review the MediShield Life scheme to make sure it would be sustainable and meet the needs of all.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
31 OCTOBER 2015