Medisave for larger medical bills

MOH's Reply

ST Online, 21 March 2014

Medisave for larger medical bills

In the letter “Medisave rules for elderly detract from aim” (Mar 13), Mr Leong Cheng Kong asked why he was unable to utilise his Medisave for treatment during his recent visit to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC).

Medisave is designed to help pay for subsidised expenses for hospitalisations, surgeries and more costly, recurrent outpatient treatment such as cancer or renal dialysis. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reviews the uses of Medisave regularly, but will need to balance between allowing wider use of Medisave and ensuring that Singaporeans have enough Medisave for both their medical expenses and health insurance premiums during retirement.

Subsidised patients who require assistance with their medical bills can approach the public healthcare institutions’ medical social workers.

In this case, MOH notes that SNEC has helped Mr Leong apply for subsidies to significantly reduce the out of pocket payment.  

We thank Mr Leong for his feedback.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

Forum Letter

ST Online, 13 March 2015

Medisave rules for elderly detract from aim

I recently went to the Singapore National Eye Centre as I was having problems with my right eye.

Several procedures were performed to diagnose the problem, including a biopsy. A serious viral infection was suspected.

My total bill came up to about $1,800. I am not a subsidised patient and could not use my Pioneer Generation card, so I requested to pay part of the bill with my Medisave.

I was told that most of the procedures could not be charged to Medisave except some minor ones; the total amount deductible from Medisave was only about $40.

I am 81 years old and have a substantial amount in my Medisave account. Why could I use only $40 for a bill of $1,800 at my age? When can I make use of my own savings to pay for my medical needs?

The purpose of Medisave is to ensure we have sufficient funds for medical bills in our old age. This is the time I need the funds for my health care, yet I get such limited access to it.

The rules do not seem to be meeting the objective of the scheme. Couldn't the rules be relaxed for genuine medical treatments?

Leong Cheng Kong