PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS HIRING THIRD PARTY BILL COLLECTORS

3 July 2023

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NOTICE PAPER NO. 1895
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 JULY 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of ParliamentMs Ng Ling LingMP for Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question No. 4577

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many public health institutions (PHIs) hire third party bill collectors; and (b) whether there are established processes for these collectors to refer payment defaulting patients to the medical social workers of the PHIs when the patients are found to be in genuine hardship.

Written Answer

The majority of public healthcare institutions utilise third party bill collection services to follow up on outstanding bills. If a patient expresses difficulty in repayment, the collectors will provide the contact details of a medical social worker who can help to assess the patient’s eligibility for financial assistance.