Financial Counselling and Transparent Billing Process In Place to Assist Patients

MOH's Reply

Lianhe Zaobao, 6 Jan 2020

Financial counselling and transparent billing process in place to assist patients

We thank Mr Hong Maolin for his letter (“对病人账单及电子索赔的建议”, 31 December).

Our Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs) have an established process that automatically assists patients with making MediShield Life claims and MediSave withdrawals for their healthcare bills.

Prior to an inpatient admission or day surgery procedure, the PHIs will provide patients with financial counselling and an estimated bill amount based on the treatment or procedure the patient will be undergoing and their ward selection. This includes an explanation of how the bill may be covered by government subsidies, MediShield Life, an Integrated Shield Plan (IP) (where applicable), and MediSave.

Upon discharge, patients would receive an interim bill showing the possible out of pocket payment they may be required to pay. This is usually provided as the bill would take up to a month to be finalised after all the applicable claims are processed with the patients’ authorisation. However, payment is required only when the final bill is ready.

Bills will be first covered by payouts from IP and MediShield Life, before withdrawals are made from MediSave. Any remaining amount not covered by IP, MediShield Life and MediSave will be paid through cash.

PHIs typically only make electronic claims for IP, MediShield Life and MediSave for approved treatments claimable under MediShield Life or MediSave. Some patients hold insurance plans from private insurers, and the terms of coverage can vary widely. For claims from non-IP plans, or for IP claims for bills that are not claimable under MediShield Life or MediSave (e.g. claims under pre/post hospitalisation benefits), patients will need to submit their claims directly to the private insurers for reimbursement. Patients should be aware of their insurance coverage and check with their insurers when in doubt.

The Ministry of Health will continue to work together with our PHIs to ensure the billing and claims process is efficient and transparent for patients.  

Mr Chan Beng Seng
Group Director, Subvention
Ministry of Health