Debated in Parliament on 2 Nov 2020.
Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider introducing a higher annual deduction limit for Flexi-MediSave or a higher MediSave withdrawal limit for those above 70 years old for outpatient consultation and medication.
The Flexi-MediSave scheme allows Singaporeans aged 60 and above to withdraw up to a combined total of $200 each year from their own or their spouse's MediSave accounts to pay for their outpatient medical treatments at public Specialist Outpatient Clinics, Polyclinics, and General Practitioner clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
In 2019, fewer than 2 in 10 of those eligible to use Flexi-MediSave reached the annual $200 limit. This similar pattern was observed for those aged 70 and above. We will continue to review the MediSave withdrawal limits regularly, to ensure that they remain relevant and adequate for patients of all ages.
Nevertheless, elderly patients who cannot afford their treatment after subsidies and MediSave can approach the medical social workers for MediFund and other financial assistance. No Singaporean will be denied access to necessary and appropriate healthcare because of an inability to pay.
PAPERCUTS