Latest news with #BasicHealthInsurancePlan
Daily Express
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
B40 Malaysians badly need basic health insurance plan
Published on: Sunday, July 06, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025 By: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Text Size: A Basic Health Insurance Plan is not just a policy – it is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our nation. THE Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports the government's move to explore the introduction of a Basic Health Insurance Plan for all Malaysians. This is a long-overdue and much-needed initiative to ensure accessible, equitable, and affordable healthcare coverage, particularly for the B40 and vulnerable groups who remain underserved by the current health financing system. Advertisement In recent years, the cost of healthcare has continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford treatment for chronic illnesses, emergency care and preventive health services. A Basic Health Insurance Plan will provide much-needed financial protection for Malaysians, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical costs. We believe such a plan will also complement and strengthen our existing public healthcare system by promoting shared responsibility between the government and citizens, ensuring sustainable funding for healthcare, while enhancing access to quality care for all. However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on transparency, inclusivity, and effective implementation. We urge the government to consider the following in designing the plan: Affordability and Accessibility – Premiums must be affordable, especially for the lower-income group. No one should be excluded due to financial constraints. Comprehensive Basic Coverage – The plan should include outpatient care, emergency treatment, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management. Simplicity and Clarity – The scheme must be easy to understand and navigate, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy that may discourage enrolment. Government Subsidies for the Needy – There should be full or partial subsidies for those who are unemployed, elderly, disabled, or in the B40 category. Strong Regulatory Oversight – A robust monitoring mechanism is needed to ensure accountability, prevent abuse, and uphold the quality of care delivered under the scheme. Public engagement and education will also be vital to ensure that the population understands the purpose and benefits of the plan, and to build trust in its administration. We commend the government for this important step and look forward to a comprehensive plan that prioritises the health, dignity, and financial security of all Malaysians. A Basic Health Insurance Plan is not just a policy – it is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our nation. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Basic health insurance plan crucial for affordable care in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Alliance for a Safe Community has voiced strong support for the government's plan to introduce a Basic Health Insurance Plan for all Malaysians. Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, described the initiative as long overdue, emphasising its potential to provide accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly for the B40 and underserved communities. Lee highlighted the growing financial burden of healthcare, which has made it difficult for low-income families to afford essential treatments. 'A basic health insurance plan will provide much-needed financial protection for Malaysians, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical costs,' he said in a statement today. He stressed that the plan should complement Malaysia's public healthcare system by fostering shared responsibility between the government and citizens. However, he noted that its success depends on transparency, inclusivity, and efficient implementation. Key recommendations include setting affordable premiums to ensure accessibility, comprehensive coverage for outpatient and emergency care, and subsidies for vulnerable groups like the unemployed and elderly. Lee also called for strong regulatory oversight to prevent misuse and maintain care quality. Public education is another critical factor, as understanding the plan's benefits will encourage participation. 'A basic health insurance plan is not just a policy, it is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our nation,' he added.
Barnama
27-06-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Basic Health Insurance Key To Affordable Care
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports the government's proposal to introduce a Basic Health Insurance Plan for all Malaysians. Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said this is a long-overdue and much needed initiative to ensure accessible, equitable and affordable healthcare coverage, especially for the B40 and vulnerable groups, who remain underserved by the current health financing system. He said the rising cost of healthcare in recent years has made it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford treatment for chronic illnesses, emergency care and preventive health services. 'A basic health insurance plan will provide much-needed financial protection for Malaysians, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical costs. 'We believe such a plan will also complement and strengthen our existing public healthcare system by promoting shared responsibility between the government and citizens, ensuring sustainable funding for healthcare while enhancing access to quality care for all,' he said in a statement here today. However, Lee stressed that the success of this initiative would hinge on transparency, inclusivity and effective implementation. He urged the government to consider several key aspects in designing the plan, such as ensuring affordability and accessibility by setting premiums at levels that lower-income groups can afford, so that no one is excluded due to financial constraints. Lee also called for comprehensive basic coverage that includes outpatient care, emergency treatment, preventive screenings and chronic disease management, as well as simplicity and clarity in the scheme so that it is easy to understand and navigate, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy that may discourage enrollment. He further urged the government to provide full or partial subsidies for the unemployed, elderly, disabled and those in the B40 category, and also recommended establishing strong regulatory oversight through a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability, prevent abuse and uphold the quality of care delivered under the scheme.
New Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Basic Health Insurance Plan crucial to protect B40
LETTERS: The Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports the government's move to explore the introduction of a Basic Health Insurance Plan for all Malaysians. This is a long-overdue and much-needed initiative to ensure accessible, equitable, and affordable healthcare coverage, particularly for the B40 and vulnerable groups who remain underserved by the current health financing system. In recent years, the cost of healthcare has continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford treatment for chronic illnesses, emergency care, and preventive health services. A Basic Health Insurance Plan will provide much-needed financial protection for Malaysians, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical costs. We believe such a plan will also complement and strengthen our existing public healthcare system by promoting shared responsibility between the government and citizens, ensuring sustainable funding for healthcare, while enhancing access to quality care for all. However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on transparency, inclusivity, and effective implementation. We urge the government to consider the following in designing the plan: Affordability and Accessibility – Premiums must be affordable, especially for the lower-income group. No one should be excluded due to financial constraints. Comprehensive Basic Coverage – The plan should include outpatient care, emergency treatment, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management. Simplicity and Clarity – The scheme must be easy to understand and navigate, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy that may discourage enrolment. Government Subsidies for the Needy – There should be full or partial subsidies for those who are unemployed, elderly, disabled, or in the B40 category. Strong Regulatory Oversight – A robust monitoring mechanism is needed to ensure accountability, prevent abuse, and uphold the quality of care delivered under the scheme. Public engagement and education will also be vital to ensure that the population understands the purpose and benefits of the plan, and to build trust in its administration. We commend the government for this important step and look forward to a comprehensive plan that prioritises the health, dignity, and financial security of all Malaysians. A Basic Health Insurance Plan is not just a policy – it is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our nation. Chairman Alliance for a Safe Community
Gulf Business
13-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Business
Everything you need to know about the UAE's basic health insurance plan
Image credit: Getty Images The UAE has officially implemented its Basic Health Insurance Plan for private sector employees and domestic workers across the Northern Emirates, marking a pivotal shift in the nation's approach to healthcare access and affordability. Read: Effective since Affordable healthcare now a reality for thousands At the heart of the plan is a commitment to affordability. Under the new scheme, beneficiaries pay: 20 per cent co-payment for inpatient care, capped at Dhs500 per visit and Dhs1,000 annually 25 per cent co-payment for outpatient visits, with a maximum of Dhs100 per visit 30 per cent co-payment on medication, capped at Dhs1,500 annually Follow-up consultations within seven days of the original appointment are exempt from co-payment, a move aimed at encouraging consistent medical follow-through. The low-cost structure has been designed to lift a long-standing burden from domestic workers and laborers in the private sector, many of whom previously relied on out-of-pocket payments or informal arrangements. New coverage brings a regulatory shift The Basic Health Insurance Plan stems from a federal directive issued in 2024, requiring all private sector employers in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain to provide mandatory health insurance for their workers. The scheme, now fully in effect, complements existing laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai's health insurance is governed by Law No. 11 of 2013 under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), while Abu Dhabi follows Law No. 23 of 2005, enforced by the Department of Health (DoH). Both cities already mandate employer-sponsored insurance, including comprehensive benefits. With the Northern Emirates now on board, the UAE's healthcare policy framework has moved significantly closer to universal coverage. MOHRE and digital integration The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) leads the implementation of the Basic Health Insurance Plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Insurance under the new scheme is administered via the Worker Health Insurance platform, managed by Dubai Insurance Company PSC, which also handles claims. The plan's data infrastructure is integrated with Riayati, the national digital health platform, and the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR)—a step that is streamlining patient care and bolstering public health analytics. 'This is not just about coverage; it's about systemic transformation,' said Anand Singh, Senior Counsel for Transport and Insurance at Al Tamimi & Company. 'We're witnessing a transition toward a data-driven, integrated health system that aligns with global best practices.' Changing the game for pharmacies The impact of the plan is already visible in the pharmaceutical sector. Over 44 pharmacies have joined the provider network, and more are expected to follow. These outlets report increased footfall from newly insured patients seeking both prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacies are being urged to upgrade their IT systems to comply with the plan's digital requirements, including electronic prescriptions and automated claims submission. The result? Faster approvals, fewer errors, and a more efficient dispensing process. This digital transformation is expected to reduce administrative delays and help create a seamless patient journey from diagnosis to treatment. Visa requirements reinforce compliance To ensure full enforcement, the UAE has made valid health insurance a mandatory requirement for residency visa issuance and renewal. Expatriates without proof of insurance coverage are ineligible for visa services, effectively closing the gap in enforcement that previously allowed some employers to bypass their obligations. Golden Visa holders must present proof of long-term health insurance, prompting insurers to develop specialised packages that cater to high-net-worth individuals and long-term residents. Strengths of the Basic Health Insurance plan The launch of this plan has addressed several long-standing gaps in the UAE's healthcare ecosystem: Greater access to healthcare: Thousands of low-wage workers now have access to essential services Financial protection: Medical costs are reduced for workers and employers alike Better public health outcomes: With increased access to early diagnosis and preventive care, the system is expected to reduce long-term treatment costs Streamlined data: Integration with Riayati and NUMR improves coordination across providers and ensures continuity of care Employers previously offering private coverage also benefit, as the Dhs320 plan offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive insurance packages. Increasing costs The rollout of mandatory insurance arrives at a time when the UAE's healthcare industry is facing cost pressures across the board. Health insurance claims reached Dhs16.5 billion in 2024, an all-time high. Analysts warn that unless cost containment measures are introduced, both insurers and patients may face long-term challenges. For hospitals and clinics, the sudden influx of insured patients has led to increased demand for medical staff, diagnostic services, and infrastructure upgrades. Without sufficient capacity expansion, patients may encounter longer wait times, reduced face time with doctors, and service delays. Insurance sector reactions Insurance companies are also recalibrating. High claim volumes are pushing firms to tighten approval processes and reconsider premium pricing models. Some providers are exploring bundling coverage or introducing tiered plans to manage risk. The broader concern is sustainability. If costs continue to rise without corresponding revenue growth or efficiency improvements, insurers may be forced to raise premiums on other policies or reduce coverage options. 'This is where coordination between the government, healthcare providers, and the insurance industry becomes critical,' said Singh. 'You can't build a strong healthcare system without economic sustainability.' A blueprint for the region? Experts believe that the UAE's model could set a precedent for neighboring Gulf countries looking to reform their healthcare systems. The combination of affordability, mandatory enforcement, and digital integration creates a blueprint that balances access with accountability. However, observers stress that continuous monitoring, stakeholder feedback, and policy refinement will be essential. The road ahead The successful implementation of the Basic Health Insurance Plan is just the beginning. Authorities are expected to monitor the plan's rollout closely in the coming months, with potential expansions in coverage — including maternity benefits — already under discussion. As Singh put it, 'We've cleared the first major hurdle, but healthcare is a moving target. The next challenge is scaling up, closing the gaps, and making sure no one falls through the cracks.' For now, the UAE's health sector enters a new chapter — one that promises a more inclusive, equitable, and digitally enabled future.
