Singapore's Ministry of Health Examines Expanding Fertility Preservation Coverage for Young Cancer Patients
Read: 709
MINISTRY OF HEALTH INVESTIGATING EXTING CO-FUNDING AND INSURANCE FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS SEEKING FERTILITY PRESERVATION
Singapore The Ministry of Health MOH is currently examining potential ways to expand government co-funding and insurance coverage for young cancer patients seeking fertility preservation treatments. Currently, MediShield Life does not cover such procedures due to its primary focus on disease treatment in subsidized public hospitals. However, the use of MediSave for these treatments remns possible under certn circumstances.
In response to concerns rsed by Dr. Rahayu Mahzam during her parliamentary speech, young cancer patients may already utilize MediSave for egg freezing if done for medical reasons like potential chemotherapy-induced infertility. If a patient later chooses to pursue assisted reproductive techniques with their preserved eggs after marriage, they could benefit from government co-funding and MediSave coverage.
Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam emphasized that government support has evolved in recent years to align with the evolving aspirations and needs of Singapore's citizens regarding fertility and parenthood.
For young cancer patients who wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment that could impact future reproductive health, it is not uncommon for them to forego these procedures due to financial constrnts, Dr. Tan Wu Meng highlighted during his adjournment motion.
Dr. Tan revealed statistics indicating an average of 340 male and 620 female cancer diagnoses per year among young adults under the age of 40 between 2017 and 2021.
The MOH has expressed its commitment to continue reviewing co-funding policies that impact fertility treatments, particularly those associated with cancer care. The policy also considers other medical conditions besides cancer that may affect an individual's fertility.
Minister Rahayu acknowledged Dr. Tan’s proposal for exting government assistance and insurance coverage specifically for young cancer patients seeking fertility preservation, taking into account the potential need for broader support beyond reproductive health treatments.
In July 2023, the government introduced a policy allowing women aged between 21 and 37 to undergo elective egg freezing proceduresa testament to Singapore's ongoing commitment to fostering family aspirations and parenthood among its citizens.
The journey of refining our policies is continuous, concluded Minister Rahayu. We m to ensure that these initiatives meet the evolving needs and desires of Singaporeans in matters related to fertility and starting a family.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/moh-to-look-into-extending-co-funding-insurance-to-young-cancer-patients-for-fertility-preservation
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.625t.com/Infertility_test_tube/MOH_Investigating_Fertility_Preservation_Coverage.html
Extending Government Funding for Cancer Patients Young Adults Fertility Preservation in Singapore Insurance Coverage for Cancer Patients Treatments MOH Policy on Fertility and Health Co funding for CancerReproductive Health Singaporean Governments Family Support Initiatives