The Life Insurance Association (LIA) Singapore has thrown its support behind the creation of the Clinical Claims Resolution Process (CCRP) to handle claims disputes for Integrated Shield Plans (IPs).
The CCRP brings together medical professionals, represented by the Academy of Medicine Singapore and private payers, represented by the LIA, to jointly assess clinical issues of IPs claims disputes. According to the LIA, this is crucial in maintaining the long-term sustainability of the IPs system. The insurers’ group said the CCRP can help properly and consistently resolve IPs claims disputes, to the benefit of all stakeholders.
Earlier this year, the LIA responded to criticism by the Singapore Medical Association regarding IPs, where the professional body accused insurers of limiting the public’s ability to see their doctor of choice. The LIA said it has implemented all the recommendations issued by the Health Insurance Task Force in 2016.
The LIA said that even before the Ministry of Health appointed the Multilateral Healthcare Insurance Committee (MHIC) in April, IP insurers had been working to expand their preferred provider panels. Insurers have also pledged to have panels of at least 500 private sector specialists by the end of 2021. According to the LIA, this will ensure that policyholders have access to sufficient medical specialists to meet their needs.
“The IP ecosystem is complex, and there are inevitable tensions between the interests of different parties,” the association said in its statement. “LIA Singapore has consistently called for all stakeholders to come together to resolve these issues. The MHIC has been a useful platform to surface, discuss, and address the necessary trade-offs. While progress has been made, there remains much to be done. LIA Singapore is committed to working through the MHIC to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the IP ecosystem for the good of policyholders.”
