Increasing Cap on MediSave Withdrawals for Mental Health Patients Seeking Treatment and Waiver of 15% Co-Payment for MediSave Claims

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1390

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 OCTOBER 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin

MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question No. 2198

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Government will consider increasing the cap on MediSave withdrawals for mental health patients seeking treatment for conditions listed under the Chronic Disease Management Programme; and (b) whether there are circumstances where the Government will consider lowering or waiving the 15% co-payment for MediSave claims for these patients.

Answer

Patients can use up to $500 or $700 a year from their MediSave for the treatment of mental health conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), depending on the complexity of their condition. In 2021, about nine in 10 of all patients who withdrew MediSave under the CDMP did not reach their annual $500 or $700 limits. These limits therefore remain adequate.

Under Healthier SG, the 15% co-payment requirement will be waived when patients use MediSave for CDMP treatment at the clinic they enrol with. As always, patients who face difficulties paying for their medical bills may also apply for financial assistance such as MediFund at public healthcare institutions.