Proportion of Patients Receiving Services From More Than One MediFund-Approved Institution

Ms Anthea Ong
Nominated MP

Question No. 1279

To ask the Minister for Health in each of the last three years (a) what proportion of patients receive services from more than one MediFund-approved institution (MFI); (b) what is the average number of different MFIs that patients receive service from; (c) what is the proportion of patients who applied for MediFund at more than one MFI; (d) for such patients, what is the average number of MFIs where MediFund applications are made; and (e) what are the costs incurred by MFIs to assess MediFund applications.

Written Answer

1       There are currently 149 MediFund-approved institutions (MFI), spanning all healthcare settings including public acute and community hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics, polyclinics, and Government-subsidised nursing homes.

2        Over each of the last three years, close to half of subsidised patients received services at more than one MFI, most of whom visited two MFIs each year.

3        1% of subsidised patients received MediFund assistance at more than one MFI, most of whom received assistance at two MFIs each year.

4         Each MFI has an independent MediFund Committee, made up of representatives such as community leaders and professionals, to assess MediFund applications. They are typically supported by Medical Social Worker (MSWs) and other staff who help assess a patient’s circumstances. Apart from assessing MediFund applications, MSWs also serve a wider group of patients and caregivers, such as extending social and emotional support and making referrals to other social services or assistance schemes. For this reason, MFIs are unable to determine specifically the cost of processing MediFund applications alone.

5        We periodically review Medifund processes to improve and streamline them where possible. For instance, needy patients on Public Assistance today do not need to undergo further MediFund assessment at MFIs. We are also in the midst of rolling out system enhancements, led by our MSWs, that will streamline the application process and improve information sharing. This will make it more convenient for MediFund patients who visit more than one institution.