Malaysia MediAsas medical insurance rollout

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the upcoming launch of MediAsas, a government-designed basic medical insurance and takaful plan, scheduled for January 2027. Part of the RESET strategy led by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and Bank Negara Malaysia, the initiative aims to combat medical cost inflation and improve healthcare accessibility for low and middle-income groups.

Under Budget 2027, the government will provide RM200 in first-year premium subsidies for up to 200,000 workers employed by small and medium enterprises with fewer than 75 employees. To manage costs, the plan utilizes a diagnosis-related groups system to standardize hospital charges. Additionally, Employees Provident Fund contributors under age 55 may use Sejahtera Account savings to cover premiums.

The program offers two primary options: MediAsas Teras, which provides annual limits of RM100,000 for those aged 0 to 59 and RM150,000 for those aged 60 and above, and MediAsas Fleksi, which offers a RM300,000 annual limit regardless of age. To support the rollout, the government also plans to expand electronic medical record systems and increase the Medical Assistance Fund allocation from RM40 million to RM60 million.