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MediShield to be extended for those who have reached 90

SINGAPORE — MediShield coverage for those who have reached the age of 90 will be extended as an interim measure until the review of MediShield Life is completed, the Health Ministry announced today (Feb 4) as it welcomed the preliminary observations of the MediShield Life Review Committee (MLRC) released last month.

Seven in 10 Singaporeans supported the Budget initiatives announced, with the same number agreeing that the new Pioneer Generation Package will ensure affordable healthcare for Singaporeans aged 65 and above. TODAY file photo

Seven in 10 Singaporeans supported the Budget initiatives announced, with the same number agreeing that the new Pioneer Generation Package will ensure affordable healthcare for Singaporeans aged 65 and above. TODAY file photo

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SINGAPORE — MediShield coverage for those who have reached the age of 90 will be extended as an interim measure until the review of MediShield Life is completed, the Health Ministry announced today (Feb 4) as it welcomed the preliminary observations of the MediShield Life Review Committee (MLRC) released last month.

The extension, which takes effect from Mar 1, ensures that elderly MediShield policyholders do not drop out of the scheme when they reach the current maximum coverage age of 90, and can continue to enjoy MediShield protection until MediShield Life takes effect.

The move is expected to benefit some 150 policyholders turning 91 soon, with their premiums to remain the same as that of those aged 90 at S$1,190.

As for the MLRC’s observations, the ministry said it agreed with the committee’s focus on enhancing the benefits under MediShield Life to reduce the co-payment borne by patients, adding that “a balance will need to be struck between enhanced benefits and higher premiums”.

Noting the concerns about premium affordability, especially for the elderly and low-income, as well as uncertainty over the approach towards increasing pre-funding, the ministry assured that the Government was committed to helping the vulnerable groups.

One key consideration for MediShield Life would be to keep premiums within Medisave contribution levels for the lower-income group. This can be achieved through various Government subsidies and support measures, so that the lower income group “need not fork out cash for their MediShield Life premiums,” the ministry said.

For older generation Singaporeans, the Government will help with the Pioneer Generation package, with details to be announced.

It also will work with the MLRC to help the public understand better the concept of pre-funding for MediShield Life, whereby the amounts paid by each age cohort are set aside for their own use in future.

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