MHS (managed care) policyholder ask for clarification

FROM MHS POLICYHOLDER

Thank you very much, Mr Tan, for your time and advice. Really appreciate the fact that as CEO, you take the trouble to address my concerns.

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PREVIOUS ENQUIRY:

I'm however confused about the recent policy changes with regards to Medishield and my current status. I was not under medishield after I retired because I continued with MHS.

1) Is the MHS considered an enhanced plan or a Medisave-approved private integrated plan? If so, am I automatically also covered under medishield, in addition to my MHS? Does that mean, I now have a basic medishield plus MHS?

Reply: You only have MHS. You have the option from NTUC Income to move to Incomeshield at any time in the future. You are NOT covered under Medishield - as you have been excluded from it. With MHS, you already get more coverage than Medishield, so there is no need for you to buy Medishield and waste money.

2) If I am now only covered under MHS, is it advisible to opt in for the basic medishield ( I understand that the govt is encouraging us to do so). Or am I by default opted in already after the new policy change?!

Reply: Yes, if you wish to give up MHS (due to its high cost), you can opt for Incomeshield (and not basic Medishield). Incomeshield covers everything that Medishield covers and more than that. What the government has done is to require the insurer to "re-insure a portion of their shield back to CPF". This is a matter to be sorted out between us and CPF and should not concern you.

2) Yes, I agree with you that the premium is rather high for MHS for a retiree like myself. For this reason, can't I use Mesisave to pay for thepremium? With the liberaliation and privatisation of Medishield plans, it is a step backward (and frustrating) to realise that I cannot utilise my own funds to protect myself during the time I need it most.

Reply: You can use Medisave to pay for Incomeshield, but not MHS (from 2007). This is the decision of the government. They have their reason. Let us accept it.