Mentally ill eligible for MediShield

3 June 2013, Today 

People with mental illness need insurance too

I refer to the letter “Help for elderly so they can afford premiums” (June 28) from the Ministry of Health (MOH), over premium increases for Medisave-approved Integrated Shield plans.

Medical expenses are becoming increasingly high and many of our elderly citizens are finding it difficult to cope.

Despite the MOH’s enhancements to MediShield and regular Medisave top-ups of up to S$450 for eligible elderly, there is still one area that has not been looked into for years — insurance coverage for those who have mental illness.

My wife, who has been coping with schizophrenia for 40 years, has been deprived of insurance coverage for any physical ailments.

Legislation is needed to end long-standing insurance practices that discriminate against people with mental illness — more so when the Government strives to make Singapore an inclusive society where every citizen matters.

People with mental illness should be on an equal footing with any citizen and not be at a clear disadvantage when it comes to insurance coverage. That is the mark of a gracious society

Raymond Anthony Fernando

---------------------------------

Reply from MOH

12 July 2013, Today

Mentally ill eligible for MediShield

We refer to Mr Raymond Fernando’s letter, “People with mental illness need insurance too” (July 3), on insurance coverage for those with mental illness.

All Singaporeans, including those with psychiatric conditions, are eligible to apply for basic MediShield coverage, subject to their good health.

Mr Fernando’s wife is covered under MediShield, but we understand he had difficulty purchasing a private Integrated Shield plan for his wife.

Entry into private Integrated Shield plans is subject to the private insurers’ risk assessment. We encourage insurers to clearly explain to applicants the reasons for not offering them coverage.

We are glad that Mrs Fernando has remained insured under MediShield and was able to benefit from its coverage for her recent physical illness.

Bey Mui Leng (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health