Balancing Medisave use and savings for future medical needs

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 22 July 2015

Balancing Medisave use and savings for future medical needs

We are sorry to hear about Ms Ada Chan Siew Foen’s medical condition ('“Be more flexible with Medisave withdrawals”, July 1, Forum Online). Ms Ada had asked for greater flexibility in Medisave uses for those with urgent medical needs and for withdrawal limits to be reviewed.

Medisave was first introduced to help Singaporeans with their inpatient hospital bills, especially in retirement. Over the years, the Ministry has regularly reviewed Medisave uses and have expanded it to ensure Singaporeans’ medical needs are met. While doing so, we need to be careful to strike a balance between increasing its flexibility for outpatient bills and ensuring Singaporeans do not deplete their Medisave savings - which are especially needed for their medical expenses in old age. Therefore, we have allowed Medisave use for conditions which require costly and prolonged medical care, such as renal dialysis and cancer treatments, and have also set a higher limit of $600 a year for cancer scans vis-à-vis non-cancer scans.

For cancer treatment, MediShield can also be used for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When MediShield Life is implemented at the end of this year, the payouts under MediShield Life will be higher than what MediShield offers today.

If out-of-pocket burden is a concern, patients may wish to consider referral to subsidised services. Medisave and MediShield limits are sized to be sufficient for subsidised bills. Patients who continue to face difficulties with their medical bills despite the provision of Government subsidies, MediShield claims and Medisave withdrawals, may approach the institution’s Medical Social Worker for assistance. We wish Ms Chan a good recovery.

Ms Lim Bee Khim
Director, Corporate Communications 
Ministry of Health

Forum Letter

The Straits Times, 30 June 2015

Be more flexible with Medisave withdrawals

Dr Ong Siew Chey was absolutely correct in his assertion that the sharp rise in the number of people diagnosed with cancer cannot be explained on the basis of the ageing population ("Environmental factors contribute to cancer rates"; Tuesday).

Cancer and illness can strike any individual, regardless of age.

I am in my 40s, and all my life, I have been health-conscious. However, this year, I was diagnosed as suffering from advanced kidney cancer, and the malignant tumour had spread to my lungs and bones. When I went for my health screening in April, my chest X-ray revealed suspicious lesions.

The medical team treating me could not establish the cause of my cancer, because this condition does not run in my family. In order to obtain a proper diagnosis, I had to undergo a few CT scans. Each scan can cost $1,000 or more. However, I discovered that the Central Provident Fund Board allows me to withdraw only $300 to $600 from my Medisave per year for CT scans. I have adequate savings in my Medisave, so why is there a withdrawal limit imposed?

I suggest that the CPF Board exercise greater flexibility in allowing CPF members who have urgent medical needs to withdraw more money from their Medisave accounts.

It should also review members' withdrawal limits for diagnostic CT scans, rather than set a standard limit across the board.

Cancer should never be likened to a "death sentence". Just a day well lived with caring and empathetic friends is a bonus. That is the true sanctity and meaning of a well-lived life.

Ada Chan Siew Foen (Ms)