Ng Ling Ling on MediShield Life Scheme (Amendment) Bill

Incentivise preventive care using MediShield Life by getting residents to adopt preventive care measures in return for incentives or premium discounts, said MP Ng Ling Ling. Financial incentives would be useful in empowering individuals to act according to their preference for a healthier lifestyle, she said in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11). This approach not only encourages preventive action but may also reduce the burden of claims over time, she added. She hopes the Ministry of Health can broaden the range of preventive actions that qualify for incentives beyond physical activities. For example, regular health screenings, vaccinations and active management of chronic conditions could be rewarded as they play a crucial role in detecting and addressing health issues early. Ms Ng also suggested a tiered discount system where individuals who consistently participate in preventive healthcare initiatives would earn progressively larger discounts on their premiums. Ms Ng also suggested an outcome-based subsidy model for those with chronic conditions. Those who show improved health outcomes over time, such as better control of blood pressure or blood sugar levels, could enjoy higher subsidies. This would encourage them to actively manage their conditions and could in the long run lead to reduced claims on MediShield Life, said Ms Ng.