EXTENDING MEDISAVE COVERAGE TO WAKE-RELATED EXPENSES AND POSTHUMOUS EXPENDITURES

NOTICE PAPER NO. 113

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 15 OCTOBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim

MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 328

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether an individual’s Medisave account may be used for immediate family’s wake-related expenses; and (b) if not, whether the distinction between end-of-life medical expenditures and posthumous expenditures is artificial, given that immediate family members typically bear both costs without exceptions.

Answer

1          As MediSave is intended to support healthcare expenses, especially, in old age, contributions to MediSave are sized accordingly, for healthcare needs only.  Hence, allowing MediSave for non-healthcare expenses, beyond its intended scope, would not be prudent.

2          Nevertheless, there is flexibility for individuals to withdraw their CPF savings, including MediSave, in certain circumstances, such as if they have reduced life expectancy or are terminally ill. This cash can then go towards meeting their various needs. In addition, any remaining MediSave funds of deceased CPF members are distributed to their nominees in cash, allowing full flexibility of use. There are also welfare organisations that help with the funeral expenses of those in need.