Rewards Updates: Points earned on HPB's Healthy 365 app can now be used to get MediShield Life premium discounts

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/moh-healthy-365-medishield-life-premium-discounts-hpb-5355776

ChatGPT:

From Sep 18, Singapore residents aged 40 and above can use health points earned on the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Healthy 365 app to offset MediShield Life premiums. The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that policyholders, including those with Integrated Shield Plans, can redeem discounts at a rate of 150 health points for S$2—double the regular conversion value of S$1.

A three-year pilot scheme is being rolled out. By averaging 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly for a year, participants can earn sufficient points for about S$70 in premium discounts, roughly achievable with a daily 20-minute brisk walk. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the initiative rewards healthier living and helps reduce future medical costs.

Points are earned by completing exercise challenges on the app, signing up for healthy lifestyle programmes, or enrolling with a Healthier SG clinic and completing a Health Plan consultation. Once redeemed, discounts automatically apply at the next annual policy renewal.

According to MOH, the maximum health points attainable annually equate to S$270 in value. With the higher conversion rate, this could translate to as much as S$540 in MediShield Life premium discounts per year. The Healthy 365 app also lets users exchange points for FairPrice or Kopitiam vouchers and other rewards, complementing the broader Healthier SG preventive healthcare strategy.

The new incentive comes amid rising MediShield Life premiums, set to climb by an average of 22 per cent through 2028, and possibly up to 35 per cent, following expanded coverage and higher claim limits. To ease the impact, the government has raised MediSave withdrawal limits to help cover deductibles and co-insurance.

Opinion:

This is good news.

Seems like redeeming MediShield rewards is a better deal than supermarket vouchers now.

Technology Updates : Polyclinic patients to trial AI tool that reads heart rate and blood pressure with just a phone camera

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/polyclinic-patients-to-trial-ai-tool-that-reads-heart-rate-and-blood-pressure-with-just-a-phone

Apple Intelligence : 

• AI Tool Functionality: DeepHealthVision uses a phone camera to measure heart rate and blood pressure by analyzing blood flow in the face.

• Trial Details: The tool will be tested by polyclinic patients in Singapore in collaboration with SingHealth Polyclinics.

• Measurement Accuracy: The tool provides accurate readings regardless of skin color and can be used with various devices like phones, laptops, and tablets.

• Healthcare Monitoring Advancement: DeepHealthVision, a wearable device, enables continuous remote health monitoring, potentially reducing hospitalizations.

• DeepHealthVision Accuracy: Demonstrated 96% accuracy in heart rate and blood pressure readings compared to established devices.

• Pilot Test in Singapore: Around 60 polyclinic patients will participate in a pilot test of DeepHealthVision in the coming months.

• Pilot Test Objective: To assess patient confidence, acceptance, and concerns regarding the use of AI in healthcare.

• Pilot Test Duration and Data Analysis: The pilot test will run for at least a year, with collected data analyzed and peer-reviewed.

• Potential Future Integration: DeepHealthVision, if successful, may be integrated into healthcare apps like Health Buddy.

Technology Updates : Apple Watch excels at some fitness tracking metrics, sucks at others

Source : 

https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-watch-calorie-counts

Apple Intelligence : 

• Heart Rate and Step Counting Accuracy: Apple Watch demonstrates high accuracy in tracking heart rate and step count, with mean absolute percentage errors of 4.43% and 8.17%, respectively.

• Calorie Tracking Accuracy: Apple Watch’s calorie tracking accuracy is questionable, with significant discrepancies compared to clinical reference tools.

• Study Methodology: The findings are based on a meta-analysis of 56 studies comparing Apple Watch measurements to gold-standard clinical methods.

• Calorie Burn Estimation Accuracy: Apple Watch showed a mean error rate of 27.96% in calorie burn estimation, which is considered inaccurate.

• Wearable Device Limitations: Wearable devices should be viewed as motivational tools and habit trackers rather than diagnostic devices.

• Apple Watch Improvement: Newer Apple Watch models showed improved accuracy compared to earlier generations.

Lifestyle Updates : Online tool helps S’poreans see if their health coverage meets needs, financial ability

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/online-tool-to-help-sporeans-navigate-health-insurance-landscape

Apple Intelligence : 

• Tool Functionality: The Health Insurance Planner helps Singaporeans understand their long-term MediSave savings and health insurance premiums, compare Integrated Shield Plans, and project premiums for riders.

• Tool Accessibility: The Health Insurance Planner is available on the CPF website.

• Tool Purpose: The planner aims to help users assess the suitability of their current insurance plans.

• Purpose of the Planner: To help Singaporeans visualize and compare premiums for MediShield Life, IPs, and riders, and their impact on MediSave and CPF savings.

• How to Use the Planner: Users input details like IP and rider names, and years left to pay for CareShield Life and ElderShield supplements.

• Data Refresh: MOH and CPFB will refresh premium and benefit data annually in January.

Technology Updates : AI Partner

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/marrying-your-virtual-partner-era-of-ai-companionship-dawns

OpenAI

1. AI companionship is growing, with apps like Zeta and Replika offering virtual friends, family members, or lovers, especially among Korean youth.

2. These apps, such as Replika, have millions of users who form deep emotional bonds with their AI companions, sometimes mitigating loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

3. Virtual partners can provide consistent companionship and emotional support, leading to unique relationships, including marriages.

4. AI is also being used in elderly care to combat loneliness, with AI dolls assisting with daily tasks and emotional needs.

5. Experts caution about the psychological impacts, potential attachment disorders, and the need for regulations to prevent misuse.

My Thoughts

• Technologies change the world for the better, Classic slogan. If humans have an emotional issue and AI is the solution, it is the right thing to do. Or should we do it right?

• I think there's a balance to using the tech, just like many things. The right amount cures. Overdose kills.

• Governors of the tech would get it tough. Because I think there will be cases where right or wrong is not so clear. Erroneous judgements may cast doubt on the tech. But I think it's a small price to pay if it serves the majority well.

LifeStyle Updates : Healthcare costs in Singapore

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-healthcare-costs-insurance-plans-premiums-government-spending-budget-4563726

OpenAI - "Summarise article in 5 points"

1. Healthcare costs in Singapore are rising due to an aging population, medical advancements, and chronic disease prevalence.

2. Government healthcare spending has doubled over the past decade, putting pressure on public finances.

3. Higher insurance premiums could burden Singaporeans as insurers adjust for increased costs.

4. The article suggests improving preventive care, optimizing insurance models, and better resource allocation to manage costs.

5. A collaborative approach involving the government, insurers, healthcare providers, and the public is essential for a sustainable system.

My Thoughts

• As a common saying goes, it's better to die quick than to go in and out of hospital, attending treatments with expensive bills. 😆

• While correct diet and exercise are good preventive measures, no one really knows when their time is almost up. When the body starts to fail, the will to live is challenged and varies depending on each individual's circumstances.

• It's good to plan out finances, wills, CPF nominations, etc while mentally sound and physically fit. Mental preparation is important as well. I think upon reaching 50, be prepared to leave this world anytime.