Mandatory Primary Care Plan To Cover Outpatient Costs For CMP Or Dormitory-Residing Work Permit And S Pass Holders
Both employers and their migrant workers (MWs) will soon benefit from good, sustainable and affordable primary care for MWs. This is because from 1 April 2022, employers will be required to purchase a Primary Care Plan (PCP) as part of work pass requirements for Work Permit and S Pass holders who live in dormitories1, or who work in the Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) sectors. The PCP will cover most of the MWs’ primary care needs for a fixed cost and give employers and MWs greater peace of mind.
2 As part of the new primary healthcare system, most of the primary care needs of MWs will be covered under the PCP. This includes the medical examination for work pass application or renewal, unlimited acute or chronic medical consultations and treatments, 24/7 telemedicine services, annual basic health screening, and scheduled conveyance to and from dormitories and MOM medical centres within each geographical sector. MWs may also seek care at any designated General Practitioner clinic in partnership with the Anchor Operators (please see Annex A for details).
3 With effect from 1 April 2022, employers of eligible2 newly arrived MWs, or of existing MWs who renew their work passes or change employers, must purchase the PCP before the new work passes can be issued. All eligible existing MWs must have a valid PCP by 31 March 2023 even if their work passes are due for renewal after that date3.
4 Employers of eligible MWs are required to purchase the PCP with the Anchor Operator that manages the geographical sector their MWs live in. Prices range from $108 to $138 per MW per year, which can be paid through regular monthly instalments. These standardised costs protect employers from accumulating large primary care bills annually.
5 MWs covered under the PCP co-pay a fixed medical treatment fee at $5 for each visit at any MOM medical centre, or $2 for each telemedicine session. Co-payment by migrant workers helps to instil personal responsibility for their own health. For MWs not covered under the PCP, the amount to be co-paid can be mutually agreed via the employment contract or collective agreement and is capped by law at 1% of the MWs’ fixed monthly salary for each outpatient visit, or $5, whichever is higher.
6 Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower, said, “The PCP is designed to cover most of the migrant workers’ primary care needs, and give them a greater peace of mind when accessing primary healthcare. It will also provide employers with cost clarity and strengthen protection for employers against unexpected healthcare bills.”
7 Mr Lee Kay Chai, Chairman of Manpower & Policy, 1st Vice-President of the Singapore Contractors' Association Ltd (SCAL), said, “The health and wellbeing of their migrant workers is a key priority for many employers. With the PCP, workers will be able to receive quality healthcare that is easily accessible while at the same time ensuring medical costs are kept affordable for employers. This will go a long way in helping to protect and take care of migrant workers who help to build and sustain our economy."
8 Further details on PCP payments can be found in Annex A and B.