MediShield Life still focused on basic, affordable coverage

Mr Quek Soo Beng suggested that the Standard Integrated Shield Plan be incorporated as a part of MediShield Life (“Why wasn’t Class B1 plan incorporated directly under MediShield Life?”; April 5).

The Government’s focus is to provide basic and affordable health insurance coverage for all Singaporeans through MediShield Life, regardless of their health condition.

Therefore, MediShield Life is designed to provide sufficient coverage for subsidised Class B2/C wards.

For those who wish to enjoy higher-than-basic coverage, Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are available as an option.

As IPs provide additional coverage on top of MediShield Life, premiums will be higher.

If MediShield Life is extended to Class B1 wards, premiums for all will increase because of the higher coverage. It is in this vein that Class B1, A and private hospital coverage remain optional and not part of MediShield Life.

Nonetheless, patients in B1 and A ward classes in public hospitals and in private hospitals will still be able to claim from MediShield Life. They will get the same level of benefits, pegged to the estimated Class B2 or C expenses.

The Ministry of Health will continue to review MediShield Life and IPs, to ensure that they remain relevant to Singaporeans with different needs.

As our population ages, we must also focus on promoting healthy living and active ageing, transforming our care models and improving productivity, to keep our healthcare system sustainable and affordable for all Singaporeans.