Life Insurance Association, MOH to hold dialogue on means testing

The Life Insurance Association (LIA) has said it will have a dialogue with the Ministry of Health on means testing as soon as possible.

This follows recent comments by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan that the income of patients or housing type could be used to determine the amount of subsidy they receive when means testing is implemented.

In a statement, the Association said the implementation of means testing will have a definite impact on the health insurance market.

It has requested that insurers be informed of the level of subsidies given to patients admitted to lower class wards.

When means testing kicks in health club, the hospitalisation cost incurred by patients will not depend on ward class alone, but also on the result of the means test.

The LIA said insurers may have to review their products and pricing, once details of the means testing are announced health club.

It added that it is important for Singaporeans to be covered by an appropriate private medical insurance plan, as they can no longer be certain of qualifying for high-level subsidies under B2 and C class wards in a restructured hospital. - CNA/ms