13 Sep 2021
SOURCE: CPF Board

To ensure greater affordability of cancer treatments and sustainability of insurance premiums for Singaporeans in the longer term, the MediShield Life Council set up a Cancer Drug Committee in 2021 to review coverage for outpatient cancer drug treatments to support Singaporeans’ continued access to good and affordable care.

From 1 September 2022, MediShield Life and MediSave coverage for outpatient cancer treatment have been adjusted. MediShield Life will:
 

(i) cover a list of clinically proven and more cost-effective cancer drug treatments (“Cancer Drug List”, CDL)

(ii) introduce more granular claim limits ranging from $200 to $9,600 per month to provide more targeted coverage based on the cost of each cancer drug treatment; and

(iii) allow patients to claim an additional limit of up to $1,200 per year from MediShield Life for cancer drug services, which include scans, blood tests and doctor consultations.

MediSave withdrawal limits for outpatient cancer drug treatments and scans have also been adjusted together with the changes for MediShield Life.

Current and revised MediShield Life and MediSave limits

Source: MOH website

The list of cancer drug treatments that are claimable under MediShield Life and MediSave can be found on the MOH website. It will be updated every few months to keep up with medical advancements.

At the same time, more cancer drugs will be added to the Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund (MAF), and subsidised patients in public healthcare institutions will be eligible to receive up to 75% subsidy.

MAF subsidies will also be extended to more Singaporeans from 1 September 2022 to improve affordability. This will apply to both cancer and non-cancer drugs listed on MAF. 

With the changes, over 80% of subsidised cancer patients in PHIs will now access a wider range of subsidised cancer treatments than before.

*In exceptional deserving cases, MAF may be extended upon appeal

Source : MOH website

Below are some scenarios using actual bills to illustrate how the changes will result in improved affordability:

Source : MOH website

Information accurate as of 13/9/2021

*Updated on 8/9/2022