Financial Support Options for Unlisted Implants

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) in cases where a custom or unlisted implant is necessary for treatment and the only alternatives are invasive procedures or no treatment, what additional financial support options exist beyond (i) MediShield Life (ii) MediSave and (iii) Integrated Shield Plans; and (b) whether financially challenged patients who are unable to cover the implant costs even with existing schemes can access MediFund for assistance in such circumstances.

Implants are unlisted if they have not been registered with Health Sciences Authority (HSA); or have not yet been assessed for listing by the Agency for Care Effectiveness; or they have been assessed, but are found to be non-clinical or not cost-effective.

If they have not been assessed, they will continue to be subsidised at up to 50%, capped at $1,000. Implants that have already been assessed to be non-clinically- or cost-effective, or that are not registered with HSA, will not be eligible for subsidies. However, patients may continue to claim for these implants from MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans and MediSave.

Subsidised patients who face financial difficulties can approach the institution's Medical Social Workers to apply for financial assistance, such as MediFund.