Debated in Parliament on 2 Feb 2021.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health given the high cost of cancer drugs, whether a tiered approach can be adopted to allow higher MediShield Life or MediSave claim limits based on indication-based pricing or therapeutic value of a drug and patient outcomes.
The MediShield Life Council is reviewing the MediShield Life coverage for cancer drugs so they can be covered in a more sustainable and affordable manner, in light of the rising cancer prevalence among Singaporeans and emergence of higher cost cancer therapies.
The Council will also study the approaches taken in other countries, such as using health technology assessment to determine the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of the drug, and negotiating with pharmaceutical companies on pricing before funding is extended.
The Council will then make its recommendations to MOH on the coverage and funding approach of cancer drugs. As the MediShield Life and MediSave schemes act in tandem to enhance affordability for Singaporeans, MOH will also review the MediSave withdrawal limit thereafter.
PAPERCUTS