Flexi-Medisave Scheme

29 January 2015

Question No. 465

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef
MP for Marine Parade GRC

Question:

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the amount that can be used under the Flexi-Medisave Scheme for the elderly is over and above the total amount that they can use under the Chronic Disease Management Programme; and (b) whether there will be a list of items, prescriptions, investigations, tests and procedures for which the Flexi-Medisave amount can be utilised for.

Answer:

1 From 1 April 2015, we are introducing a new outpatient Flexi-Medisave scheme for elderly aged 65 and above. This allows them to use up to $200 of Medisave a year for outpatient medical treatment at the public sector Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs), polyclinics and GP clinics participating in the Community Health Assist Scheme, or CHAS. Together with the enhanced outpatient and drug subsidies for SOC, polyclinics and CHAS that were rolled out since 1 Sep last year, this means that the elderly will pay even less cash for their outpatient medical care.

2 The $200 of Flexi-Medisave can also be used over and above other outpatient Medisave limits, such as the $400 annual limit for the Chronic Disease Management Programme, and the newly implemented $300 limit for outpatient scans.

3 Flexi-Medisave is meant to allow the elderly more flexibility in using Medisave for outpatient medical treatment. It is thus not restricted to a prescribed list. It will generally cover consultation fees, tests, drugs and other medical services needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition. However, to ensure prudent use of Medisave, Flexi-Medisave cannot be used for non-medical treatments, such as those for cosmetic or lifestyle purposes, or for non-essential items such as retail skincare products. This helps to ensure that the elderly have enough Medisave for their healthcare needs during retirement.

4 Medisave is what Singaporeans have carefully saved up during their working years. Even as we continue to expand the use of Medisave, I would like to encourage all Singaporeans to spend it wisely so that it is enough for their healthcare needs over a lifetime. My Ministry will continue to review Flexi-Medisave and Medisave use regularly together with other healthcare financing policies to ensure that outpatient care remains affordable for all Singaporeans.