The former deputy health minister suggests a joint authority to monitor reimbursements by health insurance companies.
Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the creation of a regulatory body could effectively resolve arbitration disputes and ensure that companies conduct themselves properly.
“There should ideally be a regulatory authority to oversee the conduct of managed care organisations so that if there are any grievances, that authority can act as an arbitrator to mediate payment disputes,” he told FMT. “Under BNM, it is a bit difficult because they are not conversant in the medical field. I don’t think they are able to do the vetting as to whether claims are legitimate or whether the rejection of guarantee letters is legitimate,” he said.Lee suggested that the body comprise two distinct authorities, each capable of contributing their expertise in their respective fields.