THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is concerned that the significant rise in health insurance premiums could lead to greater reliance on the already overburdened public healthcare system.
MMA President Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira warned that medical policyholders who are unable to afford higher premiums will have no choice but to be forced to turn to government hospitals.
He said that though adjustments to insurance premiums may be necessary to account for rising healthcare costs, the increases must remain reasonable and affordable.
"Insurance policies should be designed to cater to all income groups, ensuring financial access to healthcare at all times," he said in a statement today.
He said existing policyholders should not be overburdened by unplanned premium hikes, stressing the importance of striking a balance between the interests of all parties involved.
Earlier, several government bloc Members of Parliament (MPs) called on Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to regulate and investigate the reported 40 to 70 per cent increase in health insurance premiums.
Bayan Baru MP, Sim Tze Tzin, who led a campaign on health issues alongside other MPs, urged BNM to review and scrutinise insurance companies that issued notices of these significant premium hikes. - November 28, 2024
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