Further extension of Medisave use

1 June 2007

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27 Apr 2007

FROM MAY 2007 - FURTHER EXTENSION OF MEDISAVE USE

Further extension of Medisave use from 1 May 2007

As part of the constant review of the Medisave policy, the Ministry of Health has earlier announced an increase in the Medisave withdrawal limits in the following three areas from 1st May 2007:

1. Increase from $400 to $450 for inpatient per diem limit;

2. Increase from $200 to $300 for day surgery limit;

3. Increase from $3,500 to $5,000 for the annual limit for inpatient psychiatric bills

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Health aims to ensure greater affordability of hospital bills.

Further details are outlined below:

(A) Inpatient per-diem withdrawal limit increased from $400 to $450

The increase will effectively cover 82% of a B1 bill, and 66% of an A/private-hospital ward bill, compared to 76% and 57% respectively today. Presently, more than 90% of all Class B2/C bills are already fully covered without the need for any cash outlay by the existing withdrawal limits. The improvement is expected to benefit another 112,000 bills.

(B) Day Surgery Limit increased from $200 to $300

With the change, 84% of all subsidised day surgery bills will be fully covered by Medisave, without the need for any cash outlay, as compared to 77% today. The increase will encourage more patients to opt for day surgery if they do not need to be hospitalised. This will not only save them money and time but also free up valuable bed space for other patients. The change will bring greater coverage to another 30,000 day surgery episodes.

(C) Annual Medisave Withdrawal Limit for psychiatric bills increased from $3,500 to $5,000

The increase in the annual Medisave Withdrawal Limit (MWL) for psychiatric bills will ensure greater coverage of hospital bills of up till 82% of a Class B2/C bill. Prior to the increase, Medisave is able to cover about 68% of a Class B2/C psychiatric bill. With the change, about 1,200 patients who stay long term, especially in IMH wards, will benefit.