Debated in Parliament on 4 Apr 2022.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health what are the considerations that currently inhibit the extension of the usage of MediSave for (i) comprehensive health screenings and (ii) other preventative health procedures, such as vaccinations, that are not under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule or smoking cessation programmes.
MediSave is, currently, only extended to nationally recommended vaccinations and screenings which are already heavily subsidised or provided free, because they have been reviewed to be safe, cost-effective and appropriate for population-level screening for the selected groups, based on robust scientific evidence. This safeguards the use of MediSave and ensure that Singaporeans have sufficient savings for basic healthcare needs, especially in old age, and to keep MediSave contribution rates reasonable for all. For smoking cessation, individuals seeking support can enrol in the Health Promotion Board’s "I Quit Programme", which is free of charge. We will continue to ensure the affordability of appropriate preventive care.
PAPERCUTS