Cost effective health screening the way to go

05 Sep 2008, The Straits Times

Question

Allow Singaporeans over 40 to use Medisave for health screening

MS SHARON LEE: 'As the population is ageing, I appeal to the Ministry of Health to allow Singaporeans over age 40 to use Medisave for health screenings every year. This amount can be capped at $200 per year. The health screening package should include general checks for diabetes, heart diseases, kidney failure, pap smears and mammograms. This will help to detect and treat major illnesses early. Prevention is better than cure and many lives can be saved. The Medisave withdrawal limit for hospitalisation and day surgery should also be revised to cover at least the deductible payable under MediShield which currently varies from $1,500 to $2,000. Alternatively, the Ministry of Health can fix a percentage that Singaporeans can claim from Medisave every year for any medical surgery based on their current Medisave balance. This will ensure that retirees have enough Medisave to pay for the deductible and co-insurance when they are hospitalised.'

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Cost effective health screening the way to go

Ms Sharon Lee asked that we “Allow Singaporeans over 40 to use Medisave for health screening” (ST , 3 Sept 08).

As healthcare evolved over the years, we have extended the  use of Medisave from hospitalisation to selective outpatient treatments.  Similarly for MediShield, we have raised the claims limits to provide higher payouts for patients with large hospital bills. In addition, for the majority of patients, Medisave adequately covers the MediShield deductibles. The more uses of Medisave will however need to be balanced with the need for higher Medisave contribution.  

MOH supports cost effective health screenings which are evidence based. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has recently rolled out the Integrated Screening Programme (ISP) at GP clinics. Targeted at Singaporeans aged 40 and above, the tests such as for diabetes, hypertension, lipids disorder, breast and cervical cancers are made very affordable. We will monitor the programme and review the need for use of Medisave in the area of health screening.