Parents further distraught by MediShield exclusion letter

ST Forum. Sep 2, 2009.
By Leslie Ong

MY FIRST child was born with suspected cysts in her lungs, according to the paediatrician and the paediatric surgeon who monitored her. At the same time, my wife and I were told that new laws offered MediShield coverage for babies like mine.

We duly filled the requisite forms for coverage and expected possible exclusions for my daughter's condition. Two months later, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board denied our daughter MediShield coverage, citing the higher insurance risk posed by her pre-existing health condition.

We were flabbergasted, given the promise from the Health Ministry that every Singaporean will enjoy basic MediShield coverage unless he or she chooses to opt out.

The least we expected was basic MediShield coverage, with an exclusion for our daughter's pre-existing condition. In fact, we were even prepared to pay higher premiums.

All parents want healthy babies. Having a baby born with some health complications is a tormenting experience, be it financially or mentally.

While the CPF Board suggested that we reapply pending treatment and confirmation of our daughter's condition, the bluntness of its reply was cold comfort and the last thing we expected as first-time parents burdened by the anxiety of our daughter's condition, which was diagnosed during pregnancy.

Comments:

We must not take good health for granted. I have encountered many people who wish to have insurance but unfortunately due to various medical reason no longer can. Insurance often becomes a priority when a crisis happens, but sadly by then it would be too late.