MediAsas board set up ahead of medical insurance plan's January rollout
KUALA LUMPUR: The Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JBMKKS) has formed an independent board to provide strategic leadership, oversight and monitoring of the MediAsas plan ahead of its nationwide rollout at the end of January 2027.
The Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JBMKKS) has established an independent board to oversee the MediAsas medical insurance and takaful plan in preparation for its nationwide launch in January 2027. The MediAsas board will handle critical elements of the basic medical insurance plan, including its execution, management, and performance.
It aims to protect public interest, promote long-term sustainability, and advance private healthcare reforms. Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Norma Mansor will chair the board, which includes experts in public policy, healthcare, insurance, takaful, hospital operations, human resources, and business management. The board will also feature ex-officio representatives from the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Supporting the board are Dr Winnie Yip and Datuk Jessica Chew as expert and technical advisers, respectively. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized that the reforms must ultimately deliver better patient outcomes, and the board ensures MediAsas stays focused on this goal by combining healthcare and industry perspectives to manage healthcare costs more efficiently, maintain affordable protection, and support enhanced care for patients in the long term.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that the board will provide a robust foundation as MediAsas transitions from its pilot phase to nationwide implementation. The independent board will oversee the plan's implementation and performance, safeguard public interest, and ensure long-term sustainability. JBMKKS mentioned that reforms under the RESET Strategy will continue, including a standardized private hospital billing framework to enhance transparency and comparability of common charges.
The 2027 Budget will also provide tax relief for eligible premiums and contributions, with RM40 million allocated to encourage coverage among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 75 workers.
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