In addition to premium support measures from the Government to help the lower-income ensure that premiums are affordable (e.g. Additional Premium Support), these are some other measures that have been implemented:

a.    Helping to keep MediSave contributions current. As MediShield Life premiums are deducted from a policyholder’s MediSave account, the first step is to ensure that MediSave contributions are kept current. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board has in place arrangements with multiple government agencies to ensure employers, employees and especially self-employed persons meet contribution requirements.

b.    Supporting switch of payment to other family members’ MediSave accounts. If an insured person has insufficient MediSave balance, immediate family members such as parents and spouses can use their MediSave to help pay for their family member’s premiums.

c.    Regular reminder letters to top up the insured’s MediSave account and to pay MediShield Life premiums.

These measures ensure that premium recovery measures are targeted at those who have the means to pay but choose not to do so. There is Additional Premium Support (APS) to help those who are unable to afford their MediShield Life premiums even after Government subsidies and MediSave use, and if they have limited family support. No one will be denied MediShield Life coverage due to an inability to pay their premiums.