Preserving Medisave for future hospitalisation needs

22 Dec 2010, The Straits Times

Question

Baby, it's not cheap...

'Instead of a cap, couples should be allowed to use Medisave to bear the full costs.'

MR SEBASTIAN TAN: 'Like Madam Lee Meng Fern ('The cost of having a child'; Dec 9) I recently became the proud father of a baby girl. That is when I realised how expensive it is to raise a child. Instead of imposing a cap on usage, couples should be allowed to use Medisave to bear the full costs of pre-delivery checks with the specialists, sessions with the gynaecologist and delivery, and hospitalisation expenses. If parents can use Medisave to fully bear the costs related to having a baby, their cash savings could be better used for other expenses for the mother and baby. This may better persuade couples to have a child.'

Reply

Name of the Person: Julie Sim (Ms)

Deputy Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health 

In “Baby, it’s not cheap” (ST, 17 Dec), Mr Sebastian Tan suggested that Medisave should cover the full cost of pre-delivery and delivery medical expenses.

Medisave contribution rates and withdrawal limits are pegged at Class B2/C level. For obstetric services, the Medisave Maternity Package allows Medisave withdrawal of up to $4,400. This is sufficient for the vast majority of our subsidised patients.

Patients who choose private hospitals are expected to top up with other savings.