MediShield Life coverage, claim limits to be reviewed amid rising healthcare costs

The Health Ministry is looking to refresh claim limits of national insurance scheme MediShield Life to ensure that as many as nine in 10 bills will be subsidised. It will also explore expanding coverage to more outpatient and novel treatments to keep them affordable. MOH said premiums will inevitably rise due to these measures, but it will ensure premiums can be paid fully by MediSave as far as possible. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said hospital bill sizes have grown by 5% annually in public hospitals and by 7% annually in private hospitals over the last few years. Sabrina Ng reports.