Medisave is to help pay hospital bills

05 Jun 2009, Today

Question

Name of the Person: Melvin Lim

Why limit it to chronic illness?

I AM 28 and have been classified as pre-hypertensive by a cardiologist at the National Heart Centre. I have undergone several urine and blood tests, 24-hour ambulatory check and ultrascans to determine the cause of the problem.

Having been unemployed for two months I find it increasingly difficult to cope with the medical expenses. Why are we only allowed limited access ($300 a year) to our Medisave funds for outpatient treatment when we are dealing with a potentially criticial condition?

For many, our hospitalisation bills are covered by insurance policies which cover almost the entire bill. But, honestly, how many times will a person be hospitalised in his prime? The majority of young people will spend more on outpatient consultation and treatment.

There should be an option to allow us to draw out a certain amount for outpatient treatment — regardless of how critical the illness.

I urge the authorities to consider allowing the flexibility for citizens to use Medisave for a wider coverage of outpatient treatment, not just “chronic illnesses”. Our health should not be forced to suffer just because we cannot afford treatment during tough economic times.

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Mr Melvin Lim has asked for Medisave to be used for more outpatient treatments in “Why limit it  to chronic illness?” (Today, 3 June).

Medisave is primarily meant to cover hospital bills, incurred most often in our old age.  We have over the years extended Medisave to  cover selected outpatient treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and certain chronic diseases.

This has helped reduced out of pocket payments for patients.  Any extension of Medisave coverage has to be planned carefully to ensure that patients' Medisave funds are able to support the additional outlay. Current contribution rates cannot support an extension to cover all outpatient treatments and screening tests.