Healthcare subsidies: MOH replies

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 14 June 2015

Madam Rosalind Tham Pui Ying highlighted some feedback she received from pioneers regarding their Pioneer Generation benefits ("Address seniors' concerns about healthcare subsidies", May 31).

Pioneers who are receiving treatment at subsidised specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals will receive an additional 50 per cent off the net bill for subsidised services and medications.

Pioneers who are private patients and wish to enjoy this subsidy can apply to switch to the subsidised SOCs. Pioneers who switch to subsidised care will continue to receive quality care, but may not continue to see their current doctors, as subsidised patients are managed by a team of doctors.

Madam Tham also shared that many Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) clinics appear to have increased their consultation fees for pioneers. Prices charged by Chas clinics vary, depending on various factors - such as the patient's medical condition, treatment and medications provided, and the length of the consultation. They may also be revised from time to time as the clinics' operating costs rise.

The Ministry of Health closely monitors the Chas claims submitted by clinics. We take a serious view of cases where clinics are found to have misused or abused government subsidies for their own financial gain.

We encourage clinics to make charges more transparent to patients by displaying their common charges, such as consultation fees, prominently, and advise both patients and clinics to clarify issues such as the proposed treatment and estimated charges before proceeding with the treatment.

The public can contact us on 1800-ASK-CHAS (1800-275-2427) to provide feedback. Timely feedback can help us to look into any potential cases of abuse and facilitate investigation.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health