Number of Doctor Visits Per Worker and Other Assumptions Considered in Pricing of Companies' Primary Care Plans

Mr Mark Lee asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the annual average number of doctor visits per worker under the Primary Care Plan (PCP); (b) how do the utilisation trends compare with the initial assumptions that are used to determine pricing for employers under the PCP; and (c) what feedback has the Ministry received from employers and workers regarding the affordability and effectiveness of the PCP.

Based on a fixed annual capitation rate achieved through risk pooling, the Primary Care Plan (PCP) provides employers with peace of mind, offering cost certainty while protecting against unexpected medical expenses. Migrant workers pay a small co-payment fee per consultation, but there is no cap on the number of times a worker can consult a doctor. PCP covers the cost of basic medication and also includes an annual basic health screening or medical examination for work pass issuance or renewal, basic laboratory tests and x-ray examination. This model of primary care allows doctors to intervene early and undertake preventive care and chronic disease management to enable more effective care and disease control, and lowers long-term healthcare cost for employers.

On average, the monthly utilisation for care sought by migrant workers enrolled on PCP is about 12%. This means each worker would seek care through PCP one to two times a year, which is broadly in line with our projections at the start of the scheme. Utilisation can vary from month to month, for example when there are surges in acute respiratory infections. However, PCP is currently underutilised for annual basic health screening and chronic care management. Employers save at least 20% when compared to the total estimated annual cost of similar treatments and medical services at general practitioner clinics.

In a National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health study published in September 2024, 88% of migrant workers expressed willingness to utilise PCP due to affordability and accessibility of its medical centres and in-dormitory clinics. The majority of migrant workers are satisfied with the services under PCP based on the surveys conducted. Feedback from employers also suggests that PCP has lowered the medical costs for similar treatments and medical services for migrant workers in general. The Ministry of Manpower will continue to engage the migrant workers and employers to encourage early care seeking, including preventive care and early management of chronic conditions.