MediShield coverage for depression

29 May 2014

Question No. 4

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament 
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef
MP for Marine Parade GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Health whether the use of MediShield for secondary depression can be reviewed as it is not a primary mental disorder but secondary to other medical or drug-induced diseases.

Answer

1 MOH has indeed reviewed MediShield coverage for psychiatric conditions. Since 1 March 2013, MediShield coverage has been extended to inpatient treatment of newly diagnosed psychiatric conditions. All policyholders with psychiatric conditions, including primary and secondary depression, that were diagnosed on or after that date are covered under MediShield.

2 When life-long and universal coverage under MediShield Life is introduced, all Singaporeans with pre-existing conditions including psychiatric conditions diagnosed before 1 March 2013 will also be covered by insurance for the treatment of these conditions. More details on MediShield Life will be announced after my Ministry has studied the final recommendations from the Committee. The Committee is expected to complete its review and submit the recommendations to the Government in the middle of the year.

3 In the meantime, subsidies continue to be available for psychiatric care at public hospitals. Medisave can also be used up to $150 per day and $5,000 per year. Financial assistance including help from Medifund will be available for those who face difficulty with their medical bills at our public healthcare institutions.