Use of Medisave for non-surgical dental treatments

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2756

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 7 MAY 2024 

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 5771

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will allow dental treatments not involving surgery to be claimable under MediSave in view that some non-surgical dental treatments can be essential yet costly.

Answer

1 As shared with this House earlier this year, the Ministry of Health is reviewing the extension of MediSave for non-surgical dental procedures, such as root canal treatments. That said, any extensions of MediSave use need to be considered carefully, to strike a balance between improving affordability and ensuring that individuals have enough MediSave to meet their healthcare needs when they grow old. Nevertheless, patients who cannot afford their dental treatment at public healthcare institutions after subsidies and/or MediSave use, can approach medical social workers for MediFund and other financial assistance.