Singapore's Minister of Health: Up to 80% subsidy can be obtained for mental illness

Singapore's Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung speaks in Parliament on April 3, 2024, on working to increase coverage and explore alternative or subsidized models for affordable mental health services.

The following is a translation of the Singapore Eye based on Parliamentary sources:

Member Mr Yip Hon Wing (Yeo Chu Kang Constituency) asked the Minister for Health:

(a) how the Government will work with the insurance industry to improve the coverage of mental health services to ensure that patients have access to affordable and timely interventions;

and (b) whether there are plans to work with the private sector to explore alternative financing or subsidy models for mental health care.

Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung: The answer to part (a) has been stated in the written reply notice issued on 6 November 2023, please refer to the official report on "Mental Health Insurance Coverage" (6 November 2023, Volume 95, Issue 115, Written Response Section).

The government does not provide funding to subsidise mental health care in private hospitals, as Singaporeans can receive up to 80% subsidy for mental health services in public hospitals and polyclinics. We will continue to expand the capacity of mental health services in public hospitals and polyclinics.

In the primary care system, Singaporeans, Pioneer Generation (PG) and Pioneer Generation (MG) participating in the Social Security Assistance Scheme (CHAS) are eligible to receive subsidised for mental health conditions (including depression, anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia) at selected private GP clinics that are part of the Social Security Assistance Scheme. These clinics also provide services under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) and individuals can also use MediSave to pay for chronic disease management programme treatment at these GP clinics.

Currently, more than 450 GPs have been trained as mental health professionals under the Mental Health GP Partnership Programme. The government aims to provide mental health services in 1,350 Health SG GP clinics by 2030.

The following is the content of the question in English:

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) how will the Government work with the insurance industry to improve coverage for mental healthcare services to ensure patients can access affordable and timely intervention; and (b) whether there are plans to explore alternative financing or subsidy models for mental health care in collaboration with the private sector.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The answer to part (a) of the question has been addressed in the Circular for Written Answers published on 6 November 2023. [Please refer to “Mental Health Insurance Coverage”, Official Report, 6 November 2023, Vol 95, Issue 115, Written Answers to Questions section.]

The Government does not fund private hospitals to deliver subsidised care for mental health, as Singaporeans can receive subsidies of up to 80% for mental health services at public hospitals and polyclinics. We will continue to expand the capacity of mental health services in the public hospitals and polyclinics.

In the primary care setting, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders are eligible for subsidies for mental health conditions – including depression, anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia – at selected private CHAS General Practitioner (GP) clinics, under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). Individuals may also tap on MediSave to pay for their CDMP treatments at these GP clinics. Today, over 450 GPs in GP clinics are trained to support persons with mental health needs under the Mental Health GP Partnership Programme. We target to make mental health services available at 1,350 Healthier SG GP clinics by 2030.

LJ丨Editor

HQ丨Editor

Singapore Parliament丨Source

1. The copyright of all works on this website that indicates the type of article as "original" belongs to Kannanyang and Singapore Eye. When reprinting and using by other media, websites or individuals, they must indicate: "Article source: Singapore Eye".

2. All works indicated on this website as "reprinted" and "compiled" are reprinted or compiled from other media, for the purpose of delivering more valuable information, and it does not mean that this official account agrees with its views and is responsible for its authenticity.