Ans: MOH will be revising the hospital subsidy for non-citizens in October 2007, so as to provide a clearer distinction in health benefits between citizens and non-citizens.

From October 2007, Permanent Residents (PRs) will continue to be subsidised for hospital services, but at 5 percentage points less than Singapore citizens. Another 5 percentagepoint reduction will be applied in October 2008, making a total reduction of 10 percentage points for PRs. Other foreigners will not be receiving any hospital subsidy from October 2007.

The current and revised subsidy rates as follows:

Ans: The revised subsidy policy will apply to inpatient services, day surgery and specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals and national centres. Emergency services at the hospital emergency departments will not be affected, where the same charges will still apply for all patients regardless of nationality.

Ans: The subsidy revisions for PRs will take effect in 2 stages: first in October 2007 and subsequently in October 2008.

Ans: The revised subsidy policy is structured to provide a clearer distinction in health benefits between citizens and non-citizens. Singapore citizens will enjoy a higher subsidy than PRs, who will still be subsidised. Other foreigners will no longer be subsidised.

Ans: Foreigners including PRs will still be able to choose their hospital class wards. For PRs, the inpatient subsidy will be based on the choice of class ward. The inpatient subsidy will be reduced by 5 percentage points from October 2007, and another 5 percentage points from October 2008. Other foreigners will not be receiving any inpatient subsidies from October 2007.

Ans: If you have been making regular contributions to Medisave and are covered under MediShield, you should not have difficulties with the slight increase in bill size. If you do not have any medical insurance coverage at the moment, we strongly encourage that you sign up for an insurance plan as soon as possible to cover yourself against catastrophic or prolonged illnesses. For more information on MediShield, please refer to www.cpf.gov.sg or contact CPF Board at telephone no. : 1800 227 1188.