Medisave to cover MRI scans from next year

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 22 November 2014

Medisave to cover MRI scans from next year

MR LEONARD Tan Eng Hong asked why Medisave could not be used to pay for his MRI scan at a specialist orthopaedic clinic ("Puzzling Medisave exclusion"; Tuesday).

We hear Singaporeans' feedback that some scans needed for diagnosis and treatment of their medical conditions may be costly.

From Jan 1 next year, Singaporeans will be able to use up to $300 of their or their immediate family members' Medisave each year to cover scans necessary for diagnosis and treatment. This would include CT scans and MRI scans.

The Ministry of Health has also increased the subsidies in specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals since September, to keep health care affordable.

Lower- to middle-income subsidised patients in public hospital SOCs enjoy higher subsidies of 70 per cent and 60 per cent respectively for services, including scans. Members of the pioneer generation will receive an additional 50 per cent off their subsidised bill. Other subsidised patients will continue to receive a 50 per cent subsidy on average at SOCs.

The expansion of Medisave usage and enhanced subsidies at subsidised SOCs will ensure that scans needed for diagnosis and treatment remain affordable, especially for low- and middle-income Singaporeans.

We thank Mr Tan for his feedback.

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

Forum Letter

The Straits Times, 18 November 2014

Puzzling Medisave exclusion

I RECENTLY visited a specialist orthopaedic clinic for treatment of a severe back injury.

The doctor requested an MRI scan to reveal the full extent of my injury. I was told that Medisave could not be used to pay for this unless I was hospitalised, which was unnecessary in this case.

Why is it that Medisave can be used to pay for treatments of a less critical nature, such as cervical cancer inoculation, but not an essential MRI scan that costs more than $1,000?

I am also unable to claim from my insurance because it has an "excess" clause that starts from $3,500.

Can the Central Provident Fund Board explain the logic behind the Medisave exclusion?

Leonard Tan Eng Hong