19th Sep 2023
NOTICE PAPER NO. 2128
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Tan Wu Meng
MP for Jurong GRC
Question No. 4856
To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many Singaporeans under the age of 35 are living with or have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder within the last three years; and (b) what avenues of appeal and assistance are available to young Singaporeans who encounter stigma from insurers or are declined insurance coverage due to their mental health condition, including bipolar disorder.
NOTICE PAPER NO. 2202
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms He Ting Ru
MP for Sengkang GRC
Question No. 5158
To ask the Minister for Health (a) what avenues are available to patients who are unable to obtain medical insurance coverage as a result of their mental health condition; (b) whether the Ministry is considering a regulatory approach to address this concern; and (c) if so, what are the measures being considered.
NOTICE PAPER NO. 2128
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Tan Wu Meng
MP for Jurong GRC
Question No. 4825
To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry works with healthcare insurers, including Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers, to ensure that exclusion criteria are based on appropriate medical and actuarial grounds, and do not inappropriately or disproportionately discriminate against persons with pre-existing conditions; and (b) what avenues of appeal are available to persons concerned that an insurer's decision to deny coverage might be unreasonable.
Answer
1 Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to answer questions 20 and 21 on today’s Order Paper? My response will also cover the matters raised in the written question 4825 by Dr Tan Wu Meng.
2 According to the Singapore Mental Health Survey 2016, 2.8% of Singapore residents aged 18 to 34 years had bipolar disorder. The proportion with active symptoms was lower, at 2.1%.
3 Members raised concerns about individuals being denied health insurance coverage due to their mental health conditions. This is a valid concern, and should be considered within a larger context of our S+3M healthcare safety net system.
4 All Singaporeans are eligible for healthcare subsidies, of up to 80% in public healthcare institutions. All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are also covered under MediShield Life (MSHL), regardless of pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions. MSHL is sized to cover 9 in 10 bills in the subsidised wards of public healthcare institutions.
5 Beyond subsidies and MSHL, individuals can also buy private Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) and other insurance plans. In making underwriting decisions, insurers are fully expected by MOH and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to deal fairly with their customers. For example, insurers should not indiscriminately reject an application solely on the basis of declared personal information, such as occupation, income, disability, or medical condition, including mental health conditions.
6 Insurers should carry out an objective assessment of every application, based on reliable information or data relevant to the risks being insured. Where an application is rejected or approved with higher premiums or additional conditions, insurers should properly explain to the customer the basis for the underwriting decision. MAS will take action against insurers whose practices are in breach of MAS’ regulations or guidance.
7 Individuals who have concerns over their insurer’s underwriting decision can make an appeal through their insurer’s feedback channel, or through MAS.