Adequacy of MediSave 500 700 scheme

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2170
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong
MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 4939

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the current MediSave withdrawal limit remains adequate for outpatient care, especially for patients with complex chronic conditions; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry will consider raising the withdrawal limit.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2190
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 19 SEPTEMBER 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Sharael Taha
MP for Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC 

Question No. 5098

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how often will the MediSave 500/700 scheme be reviewed; (b) how does the Ministry decide on the $500 and $700 limit for simple and complex chronic conditions respectively; (c) what is the percentage of patients with chronic conditions who have used up all the allocation for each year in the last three years; and (d) whether the Ministry can consider the removal of the 15 per cent co-payment requirement for patients using the Medisave 500/700 scheme.

Answer

1       Under the MediSave500/700 scheme, Singaporeans can withdraw up to $500 or $700 annually, depending on the complexity of their conditions, from their own or family members' MediSave. The scheme covers the treatment of 23 approved conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). In addition, patients who are 60 and above can withdraw a further $300 from their own or spouse's Flexi-MediSave every year. The current limits are adequate to meet the needs of 9 in 10 patients.

2    From early 2024, Singaporeans who enroll in Healthier SG no longer need to co-pay 15% of their bill in cash. They can use their MediSave to fully pay for the treatment of their CDMP conditions at their Healthier SG clinics up to the prevailing MediSave limit. Patients who face difficulties with their medical bills may apply for financial assistance at public healthcare institutions.

3    MOH regularly reviews the list of CDMP conditions and the MediSave500/700 limits to ensure these strike a balance between keeping immediate treatments affordable for Singaporeans and preserving MediSave for their future healthcare needs.  If the member came across cases that need additional assistance, do let us know and we will see how best to help.