Good news for expectant parents!
From 1st March 2013, all Singaporean babies will be covered right from birth for congenital and neonatal conditions under Medishield.
According to MOH website, “All Singapore Citizens born on or after 1 March 2013, and whose births are registered within 42 days from birth, will be automatically extended a cover under MediShield from birth without having to be assessed for pre-existing conditions”
This brings relief to would-be parents who are worried about the costs of treatment for babies born with congenital or neonatal conditions. In 2010, about 9,000 babies were hospitalised for congenital and neonatal conditions in subsidised wards at public hospitals. Even though they were in B2 or C class wards, some 700 had bills that came to more than $5,000.
In the past, parents could only apply for hospitalisation coverage for their babies after they are born. Unfortunately if babies are born with congenital conditions at birth such as cleft palete, hole-in-the-heart or Down’s syndrome, these are considered as pre-existing conditions and typically not covered.
With the new enhancement, parents can have some peace of mind knowing their babies will be covered from birth even with congenital or neonatal conditions such as premature birth. Children who are already covered under Medishield will also receive coverage for congenital conditions diagnosed on or after 1st March 2013.
Will all congenital and neonatal conditions be covered?
Under the MOH website, it indicates that MediShield will exclude coverage for any active surgical interventions for the following rare congenital conditions which are severe and fatal by nature, namely: Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Bilateral Renal Agenesis, Bart’s Hydrops, Alobar Holoprosencephaly, Anecephaly.
How much is the coverage? Will it cover for the bill in full?
Congenital and neonatal conditions will be covered as per other medical conditions under the prevailing MediShield claim limits subject to the deductible and co-insurance. So it’s important for parents to understand that Medishield does not cover the bill in full.
In addition, Medishield is a basic insurance scheme designed to help patients pay for large bills in Class B2/C wards of government, restructured hospitals.
Basic Medishield coverage will not be sufficient for treatment in private hospitals or Class A wards, and parents may have to pay for a bigger portion of the bill.
What can expectant parents do to increase their babies’ coverage for congential conditions?
There are prenatal plans available in the market that will provide hospital cash and lump sum cash payouts to help parents offset the cost of treatment for congenital conditions. The cash payout does not depend on the type of hospital stay and is paid out on top of the Medishield claim amount. Expectant mums can start protecting their unborn baby from as early as 18 weeks into pregnancy while being covered against pregnancy complications at the same time.
In conclusion, this new enhancement in Medishield brings a piece of good news for parents to be.
There are also 8 other Medishield changes which will be effective from 1st March 2013. Some are good, while others are not as great news. Find out what these changes are and what it means to you here.
