Deductibles for MediShield Life should be the same for the elderly and others: NTUC

An elderly couple at the Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic. -- ST FILE PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR
An elderly couple at the Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic. -- ST FILE PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) wants MediShield Life to have the same deductible for the elderly, instead of making them pay as much as $1,500 more.

It also wants co-payment to be as low as 3 per cent for claimable amounts above $10,000.

A review of the scheme should also be done every three to five years, said the union as it presented its recommendations for the upcoming compulsory insurance plan, which will be launched next year.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced at last year's National Day Rally that the Ministry of Health will introduce MediShield Life to provide lifetime coverage for all Singapore residents.

The intent of the new scheme is to provide better coverage for large subsidised bills and assure all Singaporeans will be covered for life for subsidised bills, regardless of how their life and health circumstances change over time.

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