Visits to Polyclinics by Elderly Persons and Basis for Setting Withdrawal Limits for Healthcare Schemes

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Health (a) in the past two years, what is the annual average number of times an elderly person above 60 years of age visits a polyclinic or CHAS clinic for outpatient or specialist treatment; (b) what is the basis for setting the MediSave withdrawal limit at $500 per year for outpatient treatment under the Chronic Disease Management Programme and $200 withdrawal limit per year under Flexi-MediSave for the elderly; and (c) whether a higher MediSave withdrawal limit can be set for outpatient treatment by elderly patients based on their MediSave savings.

In the past two years, elderly patients above 60 years of age with chronic conditions visited polyclinics and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics an average of six times per year, with an average annual bill of about $200 after subsidies. Those without chronic illnesses visited these healthcare facilities an average of about three times a year, with an average annual bill of about $60 after subsidies.

MediSave withdrawal limits are reviewed regularly, taking into account other healthcare financing schemes, and seeking to strike the right balance between present consumption of MediSave and its use as savings for future use. The MediSave withdrawal limits are sized so that outpatient care remains affordable, after subsidies. Arising from our recent reviews, we increased the MediSave Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) limit from $400 to $500 and lowered the minimum age for Flexi-MediSave to 60 in June 2018.

These limits are adequate for the majority of patients at polyclinics and CHAS clinics. Any appeals for higher withdrawals, including for elderly patients, can be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially where the bill size is high. For patients who require additional financial support, they can be referred to the Medical Social Workers to consider assistance from MediFund.

Any liberalisation of MediSave withdrawals, including having higher withdrawal limits based on MediSave balances, will have to be carefully considered as it may result in Singaporeans having less MediSave savings when they are retired and older, which is when they are most likely to have a need for their MediSave savings the most. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the affordability of subsidised care, and regularly review the financing policies, including MediSave withdrawal limits.