IMPROVING AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1255
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 09 SEPTEMBER 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms Valerie Lee
MP for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC 

Question No. 1990
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the ongoing review of atopic dermatitis under the Chronic Disease Management Programme will consider the significant impact of moderate-to-severe disease on patients’ associated well-being; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider greater subsidies or MediSave use for clinically indicated treatments, including biologics, particularly for patients who have failed or exhausted conventional treatments.

Answer

 1        The ongoing review does take into account the impact of atopic dermatitis on patients’ wellbeing. 

2        Drugs that have been assessed to be clinically and cost-effective in the management of atopic dermatitis, including clinically- and cost-effective immunosuppressant drugs (such as biologics), are covered by subsidy of up to 75%. Seniors aged 60 and above may use up to $400 under Flexi-MediSave to defray costs after subsidy. Under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), patients may be able to claim up to $700 or $1000 under the MediSave Chronic and Preventive Care limit from 1 January 2027, depending on whether they have complex chronic conditions. 

3        Patients who continue to have difficulty paying their bills after subsidies and MediSave may seek further assistance, including MediFund, from medical social workers at public healthcare institutions.