Increase MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Patients Undergoing Follow-up Treatments for Cancer

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider increasing the MediSave withdrawal limit for patients who are undergoing follow-up treatments for cancer.

Singaporeans receiving treatments and follow-ups for cancer can tap on MediShield Life and MediSave to defray their costs for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, MediSave can also be used to pay for outpatient MRI, CT scans and diagnostics for tumours, up to a limit of $600 per patient per year.

Based on latest available data in 2017, the MediShield Life and MediSave limits of $3,000 and $1,200 per month respectively are sufficient to fully cover the costs for nine in 10 subsidised patients on chemotherapy.

MOH will continue to regularly review our healthcare financing schemes to ensure that they continue to be relevant and adequate. Singaporeans who face difficulties with their medical bills after Government subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave may approach medical social workers at public healthcare institutions for additional financial assistance. No Singaporean will be denied access to necessary and appropriate healthcare because of an inability to pay.