Keeping Healthcare cost affordable

Mean-testing

• Subsidies that are provided by the government would benefit patients who need them most
• Resources would be more fairly distributed if those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare get the most subsidies
• In the same way, those who are more well-to-do would benefit less from subsidies.
• This would ensure that healthcare cost does not become more expensive as it would ensure that limited resources are given to those who need it more.

Government Subsidies.

• In Singapore, Providing subsidies for government hospitals is one of the ways to keep healthcare affordable.
• When the government gives subsidies to hospital wards, patients need not pay the full amount for the healthcare treatment received
• This is especially so for patients who chooseto stay in clas C wads where subsidy is 80% of the hospital bill.
• People who cannot afffordto pay for extra facilities during their hospital stay can choose to be treated in Class "C" wards
• In this way healthcare is kept at a manageable level for lower income group

Promoting a healthy lifestyle

• Through health education, people are provided with the knowledge to make informed choices
• The national healthy lifestyle campaign was launched in 1992
• to encourage singaporeans to exercise regularly and select their food with care.
• Bad habits such as smoking and drinking are discouraged.
• Adults are encouraged to go for screening programmes for early detection of diseases.
• Since future medical cost will rise, it is necessary for every citizen to stay fit and healthy
• This would ensure that he/she will not need medical treatment anfd the person can save on medical expenses
• Hence, Healthcare costs can be kept affordable

Medifund

• As healthcare is a public good, No one should be in a situation where he is not given healthcare because he cannot afford it.
• In 1993, Medisave was set up
• $200 million were set aside for this fund.
• Interest earned from this fun will be given to public hospital to provide help for needy people.
• People who need this fund can apply it at the hospital.

Restructuring of hospital

• Restructing would mean the hospital would have more freedom to reorganise to meet the needs of Singaporeans.
• The Government would also be able to reduce the amount of subsidies to the hosipital