Pay for Your Health Scheme

In its frontpage today the NST has called the variously named NHFS/NHIF as the "Pay For Your Health" scheme. According to the NST, the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme (another name to add to the confusion) is scheduled to take off at the end of next year, with most Malaysians required to make mandatory contributions.
The NST has much more to say regarding this NHI scheme than the BERNAMA report. The NHI would be managed by the National Healthcare Financing Authority [NHFA].
Objectives of the NHI ::
1. To mobilise "risk sharing", pooling of resources (community-rated system) and better management of health expenditure.
2. To enhance efficiency and quality,
3. To have greater integration in health both in the public and private sectors
4. To have better regulation of health care providers.
For the health consumers, the NHI would provide better care, access to facilities and financial risk management in the event of ill health.
For the healthcare providers, the NHI there would be better incentives to cover the rural population, greater opportunities, improvement in the reimbursement system, increased efficiency and better use of new technologies.
For the healthcare system, there would be greater integration, efficiency and quality, besides optimal resource utilisation and focus on preventive programmes.
Sounds great the whole NHI scheme.

A consultant has been appointed to identify details under the NHI scheme. These include ::

• the quantum of payment;
  
• criteria and ceiling for contributions;
  
• the collection mechanism;
  
• the nature of basic health packages; and,
  
• how the ministry will pay clinics and hospitals.
  
• preparation of specialised packages for members who want better service.

Looks like there is a possibility for those who can afford to pay more to get more in the NHI scheme of things.

Contributions to the NHI are mandatory but there well be exemptions for the following ::

• the one million civil servants,
  
• about 200,000 disabled,
  
• 1.8 million elderly,
  
• 435,000 pensioners,
  
• 250,000 hardcore poor,
  
• an undetermined number of unemployed,
  
• yet to be identified groups in the private sector for exemption.

Opinions of the participants in the conference wheere the above were revealed ::
MMA :: Improve the healthcare system before implementing the NHI. MMA president had this to say :: "What we want is a good healthcare system that the people are happy with. If people are happy, then doctors will be happy."
National Council of Senior Citizens’ Organisations Malaysia president Lum Kin Tuck :: Called for a Royal Commission to look into the problems facing the Health Ministry. He also urged the Government to look into a "social" pension for the elderly.
MTUC Sec-Gen :: The Government should ensure that public healthcare services were not privatised and that it should reach the entire population.Consumers’ Association of Penang :: Said as a country became more affluent, there was a need to increase healthcare spending.

Looks like the gomen is not ready to reveal all regarding the NHFS/NHIF/NHI scheme and obviously is fine tuning it still but already it is able to say this :: "Its {NHI] implementation is viable and sustainable and in line with Vision 2020." How reassuring. So those who planning to be still alive after the end of 2006 and are considering buying health insurance policies, hold your horses, the NHI may have just the specialised package scheme for you.