Tan Kin Lian's Blog: $8 heart bypass surgery

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

$8 heart bypass surgery

Update: I am revising this blog to show the accurate figures are presented in the comments.

Many people got the wrong impression that the Minister for Health paid only $8 for the heart bypass surgery. I recalled reading a news report that the $8 was the amount paid in cash. The minister paid $5,000 from his Medisave account and claimed $20,000 from this Private Shield plan. The message in blogs that he paid only $8 is not correct and needs to be corrected.

8 comments:

hanglian said...: Hi Mr. Tan, the details are here at MOH's facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=500175045389&id=154909330630&ref=mf

Quote:
Health Minister’s total bill for his bypass surgery came up to about $25,000; of which $20,000 was paid by insurance, and $5,000 by Medisave. Minister had subscribed to Basic MediShield (since it was launched in 1990) and topped it up with a private Medisave-approved Shield which covers Class A and private hospitals. He did not have any riders. The insurance premium for someone in his age range (51-60 years old) is about $330 - $662 for a Shield plan targeted at Class A hospitalisation. Presently, one can use up to $800 per policy per year from Medisave to pay for Medisave-approved Shield plans.
Unquote; February 22, 2011 4:08 PM
Unknown said...: Dear Mr. Tan,

MoH has published more information on facebook (also referenced in a REACH discussion at http://www.reach.gov.sg/YourSay/DiscussionForum/tabid/101/mode/3/Default.aspx?ssFormAction=%5B%5BssBlogThread_VIEW%5D%5D&tid=%5B%5B694%5D%5D ):
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=500175045389&id=154909330630&ref=mf

"Health Minister’s total bill for his bypass surgery came up to about $25,000; of which $20,000 was paid by insurance, and $5,000 by Medisave. Minister had subscribed to Basic MediShield (since it was launched in 1990) and topped it up with a private Medisave-approved Shield which covers Class A and private hospitals. He did not have any riders. The insurance premium for someone in his age range (51-60 years old) is about $330 - $662 for a Shield plan targeted at Class A hospitalisation. Presently, one can use up to $800 per policy per year from Medisave to pay for Medisave-approved Shield plans."; February 22, 2011 5:07 PM
Lye Khuen Way said...: Precisely, what I was puzzled about !
1)Someone need to clarify, why a serving Minister need to pay for his surgery/hospitalisation.
2) I expect Dr Khaw to be covered by the Govt- his employer.
3) My late father was a Civil Servant who was on the pension scheme. He had a
"beyond-Platinium-Medical Card" ! So I am confused.....
4) Last obervation: Despite many obvious raised eye-brows, Dr Khaw /MOH did not attempt to fully explain the intricacy. Some gag order ? Very unlike the minister.
Anyone care to clear the air furthur ?; February 22, 2011 6:57 PM
Tan Kin Lian said...: Reply to Khuen Way
About 15 years ago, the government decided that newly recruited civil servants will not enjoy the medical benefits. All ministers and MPs also gave up their medical benefits. They are expected to buy insurance to cover their medical cost.; February 22, 2011 7:47 PM
Lye Khuen Way said...: Woh ! Thanks for the update, Mr Tan. My late father was a "dying breed" then . He did not opt for the conversion to the CPF scheme, in part as my late mother then was suffering from renal failure. One of his conservative/wise moves.
I read somewhere, that the elite Admin Service still practice some form of "pension". MP who served more than a certain period will also be entitled to "pension". ....; February 22, 2011 7:59 PM
Serendib said...: Actually the generous medical benefits are still extended to those in the admin service of the civil service. They are also eligible for pension.; February 24, 2011 2:14 AM
Dr.Ordon plastic surgeon said...: Today the medical costs are huge.Surgeries also very expensive and sometimes means life and death to the patient.Aids definitely come very beneficial in this state.; July 10, 2011 2:45 PM
Cordis Heart Institute said...: Regards to Health and fitness. One of the best way to treat heart problem is alternative to bypass surgery.; January 07, 2019 4:27 AM