Enhanced Medisave use, subsidies for more affordable scans

TODAY, 28 May 2014

Use of Medisave for MRIs should be the same for all

I refer to this week’s Talking Point, “How can the CPF system be improved?”

I was scheduled recently to go for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), costing S$997, which is not a small amount.

I have S$45,000 in my Medisave, and it is annoying that I can use it for an MRI only when I am critically ill.

Only cancer patients can use up to S$600 of their Medisave a year to offset such costs.

What is the logic if I, in contrast, cannot use this amount of my own money in the Central Provident Fund?

FROM ANG LAY KUAN

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MOH’S REPLY

TODAY, 10 June 2014

Enhanced Medisave use, subsidies for more affordable scans

In the letter “Use of Medisave for MRIs should be the same for all” (May 28), Ms Ang Lay Kuan asked why Medisave could not be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Medisave withdrawal limits are put in place to ensure patients have sufficient funds for their medical needs during retirement. The withdrawal limits are reviewed regularly by the Government to keep pace with medical advances and treatment methods.

We have heard Singaporeans’ views that scans needed for illnesses other than cancer can also be costly.

Therefore, from the first quarter of next year, Medisave use of up to S$300 a year will be allowed to cover non-cancer scans, including ultrasounds, computed tomography scans and MRI scans, that are necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Also, lower- to middle-income subsidised patients at the Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals will enjoy higher subsidies of 70 and 60 per cent, respectively, for services, including scans, from September.

Other subsidised patients will continue to receive a 50 per cent subsidy, on average.

The enhanced Medisave coverage and SOC subsidies will make scans such as MRI significantly more affordable, especially for low- and middle-income Singaporeans. We thank Ms Ang for her feedback.

PHILIP SIM
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
MINISTRY OF HEALTH