Healthcare System Overview Flashcards

What is the '3M' framework in Singapore's healthcare financing?

Answer: Medisave, MediShield Life, and Medifund — the three layers of healthcare financing

Singapore's healthcare financing relies on three pillars: Medisave (personal savings for healthcare), MediShield Life (basic health insurance), and Medifund (safety net for those who cannot afford bills).

What is Medisave in Singapore's CPF system?

Answer: A mandatory medical savings account within CPF that can be used for hospitalisation expenses, approved outpatient treatments, and insurance premiums

Medisave is one of the three CPF accounts. Both employees and employers contribute, and the funds can be used for personal and immediate family members' hospitalisation, day surgery, and approved medical expenses.

What is the CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) in Singapore?

Answer: A scheme providing subsidies for medical and dental care at participating General Practitioner (GP) clinics for lower- and middle-income Singaporeans

CHAS provides subsidies for Singaporeans visiting participating GP and dental clinics. Benefits are tiered by household income, with more subsidies for lower-income groups (Blue, Orange, and Green tiers).

How does Singapore's public hospital ward classification system work?

Answer: Wards are classified from C (most subsidised, 8-bed) through B2, B1, to A (least subsidised, single room), with subsidies decreasing for higher ward classes

C-ward (8+ beds, 65-80% subsidy) and B2 (6 beds, 50-65% subsidy) are subsidised wards. B1 (4 beds, 20% subsidy) and A (single room, no subsidy) provide more comfort but at higher cost.

What is Medifund in Singapore's healthcare system?

Answer: A government endowment fund that provides a safety net for needy Singaporeans who cannot afford their medical bills even after using Medisave and MediShield Life

Medifund is the third layer of the 3M framework — a safety net of last resort. It helps needy Singaporeans who exhaust all other means. Applications are assessed by hospital Medifund committees.

What is ElderShield and its successor CareShield Life?

Answer: Long-term care insurance schemes providing monthly cash payouts for Singaporeans who become severely disabled and need long-term care

CareShield Life (replacing ElderShield from 2020) provides monthly cash payouts for those unable to perform at least 3 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living. It is compulsory for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later.