Enhancing MediShield Payouts

27 Apr 2008

1. MOH will increase the MediShield payouts to reduce the financial burden on Singaporeans with large Class B2/C hospital bills.  This will be achieved through raising the MediShield claim limits substantially.  The revision will be implemented from 1 December 2008.

2. Over the past few weeks, MOH has conducted extensive public consultations to seek the public’s views on the proposed changes to the Basic MediShield scheme. (See Annex A for details of revised claim limits.) The changes are designed to improve the insurance coverage of large Class B2/C bills up to 80%, from the current coverage of up to 60%.  Through our dialogues with unions, grassroots leaders and members of the public, MOH has received strong support for its proposal.

3. The premium adjustments needed to fund the significant increase in benefits will be affordable and provide good value-for-money.  (See Annex B for details.)

4. To help elderly Singaporeans pay for the premiums, the Government will top up their Medisave accounts in September 2008.  (See Annex C for details.)

5. Singaporeans can use their Medisave to pay for MediShield premiums for themselves and their dependants.  Currently, the annual Medisave withdrawal limit is set at $800 for all policyholders.  From 1 December 2008, we will raise the annual withdrawal limit to $1,150 for policyholders who are above 80 years old.

6. MOH will continue its public dialogues and consultations to explain how the changes will benefit Singaporeans. Please click here for the FAQs on MediShield Scheme.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

27 APRIL 2008

• Annex A (16 KB) 
  

• Annex B (11 KB) 
  

• Annex C (10 KB)