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Khaw: Medishield up by $120... but no basis for rise

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  • gerald_tan
    gerald_tan's Avatar
    60 posts since May '02
    • 30 Jan `08, 12:52AM

      Looks like our dear Health Minister has a super short term memory... maybe it's time for him to retire...

       

       

      Health minister says no basis for rise in medical insurance premiums
      29 January 2008 1416 hrs (SST)

      http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/325568/1/.html

       

      SINGAPORE : Bit by bit, the questions about implementing means testing in public hospitals are being addressed but one has lingered unanswered, until now: Will medical insurance premiums inflate as a result?

       

      One media report had suggested this possibility, after the Life Insurance Association (LIA) of Singapore said means testing would have a "definite impact" on the health insurance market, and insurers would have to review their product designs and policies.

       

      Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, however, gave his response in no uncertain terms when TODAY put the question to him. "There is no basis for such a rise," he said, in an email interview.

       

       

      Later that very same day....

      Medishield premiums to go up by $120 this year

      Jan 29, 2008

      By Salma Khalik 

      MEDISHIELD premiums are expected to go up later this year by about $120, in what Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan promises to be the last tweak to the scheme under his watch.

      .

      .

      .

      Under the proposed means testing, people whose incomes are at the 50th percentile or less will continue to enjoy the current subsidy. Higher income-earners will get less subsidy.

      He is waiting for the latest statistics to decide the cut-off salary. But he promised to round the figure up so it's actually higher than the 50th percentile.

      'You have a very compassionate Health Minister,' he said with a grin.

  • Queen of sgForums
    FireIce
    Hottest.&.Coolest.Mod
    FireIce's Avatar
    167,145 posts since Dec '99
  • mistyblue
    mistyblue's Avatar
    11,456 posts since May '04
    • 30 Jan `08, 9:47AM

      In Singapore, When has any policy changes or the increases in prices for public service which include the ministerial salary - has any real justification?

  • HyperFocal
    HyperFocal's Avatar
    1,900 posts since Jul '07
  • 4getmenot
    4getmenot's Avatar
    3,012 posts since Sep '06
  • phil30k
    phil30k's Avatar
    437 posts since Jan '08
    • 30 Jan `08, 3:58PM

      On the bright side, if Singapore doesn't collapse with such ministers, it's pretty strong and will easily survive more opposition.

  • ceecookie
    ceecookie's Avatar
    9,642 posts since May '04
    • 30 Jan `08, 4:01PM

      Most likely the $120 is meant for tax to PAP icon_lol.gif

      Edited by ceecookie 02 Feb `08, 10:00PM
  • BillyBong
    BillyBong's Avatar
    4,468 posts since Dec '00
    • 30 Jan `08, 4:46PM

      Did Khaw really commit when he 'promised' this to be the last tweak?

       

      I'm adopting a wait and see policy

       

  • 4getmenot
    4getmenot's Avatar
    3,012 posts since Sep '06
    • 30 Jan `08, 4:51PM
      Originally posted by phil30k:

      On the bright side, if Singapore doesn't collapse with such ministers, it's pretty strong and will easily survive more opposition.

      with the GRC electorate system... do u actually think there are any oppositions with the amount of manpower to take on them all? xD

  • caleb_chiang
    caleb_chiang's Avatar
    7,951 posts since Jul '05
  • kramnave
    kramnave's Avatar
    2,300 posts since Aug '07
    • 30 Jan `08, 5:04PM
      Originally posted by 4getmenot:

      with the GRC electorate system... do u actually think there are any oppositions with the amount of manpower to take on them all? xD

      Ultimately if the opposition wants to take over they need to come up with the manpower and of course those that are capable, with or without the GRC.

  • EarlNeo
    EarlNeo's Avatar
    3,467 posts since Aug '07
    • 30 Jan `08, 5:27PM

      Sometime i even wonder why they even bother coming up with empty promise? It is not like we can do a sh1t about anything.

  • jeez88
    jeez88's Avatar
    89 posts since Jun '05
    • 30 Jan `08, 11:24PM

      I will just like to make a simple point.

      I might get flamed - but please this is something which all of you might want to consider in your hearts.

      During the 2006, who did you vote for?

      If it's the opposition you had supported, fine - complain all you want.

      If it's the ruling government which you had voted for - please do not complain and make a hu-ha about prices being upped and everything.

      Remember the carrot and stick rule, or the dog and man rule.

      Ultimately, you would want to think - whether do you want your money to be put to productive use or not.

      Sinking investments, and what not - it's your call.

      One example, if a composite gambler needs money and borrows from you saying that he will pay the amount back to you - do you think he will ever do so?

      If you do want to make a difference, vote in the 2011 elections. Smartly and Wisely,

      Choose wisely, and face the consequences squarely.

      Ultimately at the end of the day, it is your choice.

  • gerald_tan
    gerald_tan's Avatar
    60 posts since May '02
    • 01 Feb `08, 12:05AM

      During 2006..... I didn't even get to vote..... so don't get me started on that. Nor in the one before that. Or the one before before that.

      BillyBong: Speaking of elections.... Why? Don't you trust the man? He's the same one that said in 2006, just before the elections : " means-testing will not be implemented in the next two years"

      Means-testing not likely in the next two years

      03 May 2006

      http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/206333/1/.html

      Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says means-testing will not be implemented in the next two years as originally planned.

        He was responding on Wednesday to a Workers' Party's concern over the criteria to be used for means-testing.

        Mr Khaw said: "The criteria? I don't know. I honestly don't know. I don't tell lies like some people. You don't want to implement a scheme that is so complicated, that it costs so much to do thorough means-testing. Then whatever you save, you have to now pay more for administrative costs. Now, that additional cost, someone has to bear it." To t

      See? The man doesn't tell lies! As long as it's implemented after May 2008, he has kept his word!!!

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