MediShield extension will not cover "pre—existing" congenital illnesses

SINGAPORE: Those with congenital illnesses diagnosed before 1 March will not be covered under the recent MediShield extension.

That is because conditions diagnosed prior to the extension are considered pre—existing.

The Health Ministry had extended MediShield coverage to congenital conditions for Singaporeans born on or after 1 March under the Marriage and Parenthood Package.

Existing policyholders will also receive coverage for congenital conditions diagnosed on or after 1 March.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Faishal Ibrahim, said covering pre—existing conditions will lead to higher premiums for all.

He said: "We have set up a new scheme, Medifund Junior, from 1 March 2013, to provide additional financial assistance for healthcare bills incurred by children.

"Children with congenital conditions diagnosed before 1st March 2013 will benefit from this additional assistance under Medifund Junior, if their families face difficulties with their healthcare bills.

"Medifund Junior will help us to more effectively target families with higher needs and provide added assurance to Singaporeans."

— CNA/xq