ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES IMPOSED BY INSURERS FOR CANCER DRUG CLAIMS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 344

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 13 JANUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Hamid Razak

MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

Question No. 716

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry is aware of the administrative requirements imposed by insurers on doctors for cancer drug claims under the Cancer Drug List (CDL); and (b) whether the Ministry has endorsed or advised on these procedures for Integrated Shield Plan claims.

Answer

1             Claims for MediSave, MediShield Life (MSHL) and Integrated Shield Plans (IP) are filed electronically through the national claims processing system.  The system contains all relevant data fields required for the assessment and processing of claims for cancer drugs listed on the Cancer Drug List (CDL). This minimizes administrative hassle and follow-on clarifications from insurers.  

2             MOH is aware that for some cancer drug claims, especially those for drugs not listed on the CDL, insurers may require additional information from healthcare providers.  For example, for non-CDL treatments that are not covered by MSHL and IPs but are covered by riders, insurers may need to request for information on whether the treatments have been approved by regulatory authorities, or supported by established clinical guidelines, in order to process for reimbursement.

3             In addition, manual submissions would be required for cases involving providers or payers that cannot be filed through the system. These additional submissions enable insurers to assess the claims and pay out the correct benefits. Where specific feedback about the administrative processes is surfaced, MOH will engage the healthcare providers and insurers to explore opportunities to further streamline the claim processes.