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SINGAPORE: Health Minister Gan Kim Yong will appoint a committee to examine issues related to integrated protection (IP) plans, including the issue surrounding physicians on the panel of insurers.
In a Facebook post on Saturday (April 3), State Health Minister Koh Poh Koon said that he met with representatives from the Singapore Medical Association (SMA), the Life Insurance Association (LIA) and the Singapore Academy of Medicine on Wednesday to discuss improvements in the way IP panels are configured and managed.
All parties agreed to formalize an existing pro-temporary committee into a committee appointed by Mr. Gan.
“The committee will take the work forward and work in the public and patient interest to deliberate and implement changes for quality, safe, cost-effective, and affordable care for all,” said Dr. Koh.
DOCTORS, “SPARRED” INSURERS ON IP PANELS
Doctors and insurers have recently “argued” about the issue of intellectual property panels, Dr. Koh noted.
Integrated Shield plans consist of two parts: a MediShield Life component administered by the Central Provident Fund Board and additional benefits offered by private insurers.
In a position statement on March 29, SMA said insurers had formed “highly exclusive” medical panels that excluded many private specialists.
SMA also said there is “opacity” in the selection criteria for physicians to be included as preferred providers in the panels.
The association also called on authorities to “instill cost discipline in intellectual property insurers” and ensure that premiums charged are directed toward health care costs and “are not wasted on non-health care expenses. “.
In response, the LIA, which represents insurers, said there were instances of “excessive treatment” by medical providers. He also said that SMA’s analysis of insurer costs and claims costs is “misleading.”
In a subsequent statement on April 2, the LIA said insurers have since expanded their panels and will continue to do so, with current IP panels ranging from 250 to 400 private specialists.
On Saturday, Dr. Koh said: “Both parties have made valid points in areas that needed improvement, but have also expressed views that do not correctly reflect the tradeoffs and balance needed to ensure the sustainability of the premium plans insurance and the provision of quality and cost-effective healthcare in the long term. “
He added that his conversations with all parties were “constructive” as they considered ways to work together for the benefit of patients.
“These include expanding the insurers’ panel of physicians with clear and transparent criteria, as well as improving the pre-authorization process for claims for treatment, especially by physicians who were not on the panels,” said Dr. Koh. .
There were also several ideas to improve transparency in doctors’ fees and outcomes, as well as insurer performance.
More details about the committee and its proposed recommendations will be released when they are ready, Dr. Koh said.
