Means testing likely to be implemented later part of this year: Health Minister
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 January 2008 2036 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Means testing will likely be implemented in the later part of this year, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Saturday.

He also added that his Ministry does not rule out tweaking MediShield coverage.

Mr Khaw was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event at the Biopolis.

Led by the Health Minister, some 600 residents of the Sembawang GRC learned more about life sciences.

But there is another area Mr Khaw hopes the public can better understand - means testing.

So over the next 8 weeks, there will be more dialogue sessions with Singaporeans on the subject.

Mr Khaw was also asked if his Ministry will consider reviewing the MediShield coverage to those beyond 85 years old and making it compulsory.

Mr Khaw said: "We will continue to raise it especially when Singaporeans live longer. But at the moment, the number of people more than 85, who are affected by MediShield is still small, but nevertheless it's an issue. We want as many if not 100 percent of Singaporeans to be insured, but in practice I think so far so good through the opting out system."

The MediShield medical insurance scheme currently covers more than 90 per cent of workers. - CNA/ch