Why Medisave does not cover non-surgical dental procedures

07 Aug 2008, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Calvin Ho

Allow Medisave for dental surgery

Aug 4, 2008

SINGAPOREANS contribute a significant portion of their income - 20 per cent for most - into the Central Provident Fund (CPF).

Of this 20 per cent, a significant part - about 6 per cent - is channelled into the Medisave fund. Medi-

save is meant to cover our health-care needs. I am curious why the Ministry of Health does not allow Singaporeans to use their Medisave to pay for vital dental surgery, such as root-canal work, tooth crowning or implant procedures.

Healthy teeth are a key part of an individual's overall well being. I am surprised Medisave can be used only to cover wisdom-tooth surgery. For my personal health, I had to do a root canal and crowning due to a major crack in my tooth recently. I paid for the procedure entirely in cash.

I am now contemplating whether I should take care of another vital tooth that needs an implant, knowing it is will set me back another $4,000 to $5,000.  Can the ministry consider a more comprehensive approach in its policies to allow CPF members to use their hard-earned Medisave funds to pay for more complete health coverage?

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Why Medisave does not cover non-surgical dental procedures

Calvin Ho asked that we “Allow Medisave for dental surgery” (ST , 4 Aug 08) procedures such as root canal work and tooth crowning.

We do not do so because current Medisave contribution rate has not factored in the funding of such non-surgical dental procedures.  (Medisave can however be used for the surgical placement of dental implants.) 

We have kept Medisave coverage to largely hospitalisation needs, in order to keep Medisave contribution rate to the minimum.  Greater Medisave coverage will require a higher Medisave contribution rate.