Private Insurers and Hospitals Facing Challenges in Singapore Healthcare System

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted the issue of private insurers and hospitals facing challenges, affecting patients. Great Eastern suspended pre-authorisation certificates for two hospitals due to high costs. The Ministry of Health aims to address this issue for a sustainable healthcare financing system.

Private insurance designs with generous coverage lead to overuse of services. Insurers responded by introducing safeguards and raising premiums. Many policyholders terminated rider policies due to high costs. The government is concerned about the shift towards public healthcare due to rising premiums and restrictions.

MOH introduced fee benchmarks and is considering more benchmarks for hospital charges. Actions are taken against doctors making errant claims. The possibility of a new not-for-profit private hospital is being explored. Private insurers need to reevaluate product designs for sustainability and affordability.

Ultimately, stakeholders must work together to address these challenges for a better healthcare system.

According to the source: The Straits Times.