NTUC makes MediShield Life proposals

SINGAPORE — The National Trades Union Congress has submitted its recommendations on MediShield Life to the committee tasked to review the catastrophic insurance scheme that will provide universal coverage from next year.

It submitted its proposals last week after holding focus group discussions with over 300 people including unionists, the self-employed and pensioners.

The NTUC suggested that co-insurance tiers be further expanded, such that the portion borne by patients for claims above S$10,000 be reduced to 3 per cent. This is beyond the MediShield Life Review Committee’s recommendation last month to reduce co-insurance rates borne by patients to 5 to 10 per cent for inpatient bills and 10 per cent for outpatient bills.

The Labour movement also said duplication of insurance coverage should be reviewed to reduce wastage arising from having both self-paid and employer-paid health insurance.

The proposals are aimed at making healthcare more affordable and accessible, said NTUC.