From the Straits Times Forum Page, 28 August 2004.
More
convincing case for Medishield hike
needed
THE Government should put up a more convincing case for the
imminent increase in Medishield premiums by providing more facts
and figures, rather than resort to a change of law to effect an
enlarged Medishield 'risk pool'. The increase will be as good as
giving the green light to private insurers to hike their
premiums.
Instead of forcing everyone to be part of Medishield's 'risk pool',
the Government should find out why Medishield continues to lose out
to other insurance schemes. For example, NTUC Income offers
Incomeshield, a similar if not better health-insurance scheme. The
coverage under its various plans is sufficient for all.
If the different plans under Medishield are insufficient, more
plans could be introduced. And, again, members should be given a
choice as to whether to upgrade.
The Government could reach out to less-informed members through
newsletters and grassroots leaders.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that changes are needed because
premiums are outdated. Why are only premiums for Medishield
outdated?
It is said that other insurers are in direct competition with
Medishield. Is this not positive as premiums are thus made lower
and more affordable for Cannot distribute vertically CPF
members?
Privatisation of the CPF Dependants' Protection Scheme was
recommended by the Economic Review Committee in 2002, with the aim
of 'generating healthy competition among private insurers and
provide better benefits and services to CPF members', as noted by
the CPF Board. Does the Government now feel that there are no
positive benefits from healthy competition?
Many CPF members are also more than adequately covered by private
insurers. It is unfair to force them to increase their coverage to
more than what is necessary.
The Government is forward-thinking in that it realises demographic
changes will burden the state financially. However, if it has to
resort to legislation to effect change, it will be reverting to a
nanny-state mentality. This does not sit well with many.
PHILLIP ANG KENG HONG
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