Free consultations on MediShield Life at 39 locations islandwide
Yesterday’s launch session at Tanjong Pagar Community Club was attended by about 20 residents. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — For the next six months, those flummoxed by the new MediShield Life scheme — which replaced the old MediShield scheme on Sunday — can book appointments for free consultation sessions at 39 community clubs (CCs) and Residents’ Committee (RC) centres.
A tie-up between the People’s Association (PA) and the Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS), these free consultation sessions will take place every Monday evening, with IFPAS representatives available to sit down with residents to address queries about the scheme. For example, they can explain the difference between MediShield Life and MediShield, the difference in premiums payable, and provide advice on what kind of insurance options are available — and they will be able to do so in various languages including dialects to cater to elderly residents.
MediShield Life now covers all 3.9 million Singaporeans and permanent residents from birth to death, including those with pre-existing conditions. Claim limits for hospital bills and certain outpatient treatments are higher, and there is now no lifetime claim limit. The Government will be providing close to S$4 billion over the next five years in subsidies that will benefit up to two-thirds of Singapore households.
A pilot of this initiative was launched in Tanjong Pagar GRC in July, and about 1,000 residents, mostly the elderly, have attended these sessions.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative’s islandwide roll-out yesterday, IFPAS president Leong Sow Hoe said: “What’s cropped up is the issue of affordability. With these enhanced benefits, premiums have gone up, so for some people it’s a bit more challenging … So we’ll try to explain to them about the options on various levels of subsidies available.”
Mdm Ling Bee Sian, chairman of the Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Active Ageing Committee, added: “A lot of people have been feeling uncertain and confused about the changes, they’re not sure how much they should fork out for … Initially our grassroots volunteers went door to door to explain, but we lack the professional and technical knowledge, so having this expert knowledge would help to ease their concerns.”
Residents must register in advance for an appointment at their respective CCs and RC centres. The sessions run from 7pm to 9.30pm every Monday. So far, about 700 IFPAS volunteers have come on board. To ensure the volunteers abide by the guidelines and do not sell their insurance products, PA staff and grassroots volunteers will conduct routine checks. The Ministry of Health has said it will push on with public education efforts on the scheme, such as through grassroots outreach efforts and senior ambassadors going door to door. The PA and IFPAS are also looking to expand the initiative to most of the CCs in Singapore next year, and the sessions may be held beyond six months, depending on response.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing, who is also Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC and deputy chairman of PA, said these sessions offer more privacy compared to dialogue sessions. “So such one-to-one consultations are a great way to help residents dispel any myths or worries they might have ... Ultimately, we want residents to make an informed decision for themselves,” he said.
Yesterday’s session at Tanjong Pagar saw about 20 residents in attendance, among them civil servant Gary Wong, 57. “So far, the information we get in the news about MediShield Life is either too brief, or too lengthy, so it’s difficult to follow. Having someone explain it to me would make it easier for me to understand,” he said.
