MOH: COVID-19 Testing No Longer Free by April 1 to Support Other Illnesses

In line with Singapore's direction to exit the acute phase of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will be scaling down its remaining COVID-19 measures through various steps, one of which is regularising its financing schemes.

In a press release on Feb. 9, the MOH said it will cut back its pandemic subsidies and financial support, as these will be rechanneled to other acute illnesses.

Beginning on April 1, Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders who are ill with the COVID-19 will no longer be given 100% subsidy at hospitals and COVID-19 Treatment Facilities (CTFs).

To help with the health care costs of citizens and permanent residents, government subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave will be applied to ensure treatment will remain economical, especially for low-income Singaporeans.

COVID-19 testing will also no longer be free for all patients. Patients will now have to pay for their tests at polyclinics and general physician clinics, which will be subject to existing subsidies.

Moreover, COVID-19 patients will no longer be required to stay in Community Isolation Facilities (CIFs), although some CIFs will be maintained for those who want to self-isolate. Patients, however, will now be charged for their stay.

On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccinations and oral antivirals will remain free for eligible patients, the MOH said. These include those in “outpatient, ambulatory settings of public hospitals, and nursing homes.”

"This is because these are important preventive steps and treatments to avoid severe disease and hospitalisations, and will remain an important part of living with COVID-19," the MOH said in its release. "Additionally, patients with a higher risk of severe COVID-19, such as the immunocompromised and individuals with some comorbidities, may be referred by their doctors for free telemedicine support."

Other measures have been stepped down beginning yesterday, such as mask-wearing. Those in residential care and indoor health care areas are no longer required to wear masks, as well as commuters on public transport.

Moreover, non-fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Singapore also do not have to submit a negative Pre-Departure Test anymore starting yesterday.

The Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON), which indicates the status of the disease situation in Singapore, has also been adjusted by the MOH from yellow to green.