Data on Appeals by Couples to Use MediSave Beyond Current Limits for Assisted Conception Procedures

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1742
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 28 FEBRUARY 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang
MP for Nee Soon GRC

Question No. 2756

To ask the Minister for Health for the past five years (a) how many appeals have been received from couples to use MediSave beyond the current limits to pay for Assisted Conception Procedures; (b) how many and what percentage of appeals received are successful; and (c) what are the top three reasons for rejecting the appeals.

Written Answer

Out of about 7,000 Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) cycles a year that tap on MediSave, the Ministry of Health (MOH) receives about 30 appeals to use MediSave beyond the prevailing withdrawal limits in a year. As MediSave is primarily intended to help Singaporeans put aside savings for their basic healthcare needs in retirement, MOH will accede to appeals to use MediSave beyond the ACP withdrawal limits only in exceptional cases, taking into account factors such as the family's financial and social situation. For example, we have in the past approved appeals from couples who encountered unexpected medical complications during a cycle and were unable to afford the cost of treatment.