KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions are ongoing with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to explore whether withdrawals from the retirement fund can be allowed to purchase the new Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) product, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
“Currently, the EPF’s Akaun Sejahtera, also known as Account 2, can be used for the i-Lindung scheme, whereby critical illnesses are covered under i-Lindung,” the Finance Minister II told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Jan 29) during Minister’s Question Time.
“We are discussing with EPF to see whether the Base Plan concept can be accepted as part of the i-Lindung products where withdrawals are allowed.”
“We expect that with the approaches we have taken and the support we have received from everyone, we will have a better system which will support the government’s healthcare system,” he added.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on whether the government will allow EPF withdrawals to purchase the Base MHIT.
The Base MHIT framework, released by Bank Negara on Jan 22, introduces a standardised, voluntary insurance product for Malaysians who are uninsured or facing steep premium increases.
It is intended to standardise baseline coverage across insurers and takaful operators, improving portability and price transparency.
The product was developed as part of the Reset framework.