Use of Medisave for Visits to Specialist Outpatient Clinics

Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider extending the use of Medisave for visits to Specialist Outpatient Clinics in light of the rising number of elder citizens requiring specialist medical care for chronic conditions.

Medisave can already be used for selected treatments in the Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs). This includes treatment of 15 common chronic conditions5, cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and scans required in the course of cancer treatment.

We are also increasing subsidies for specialist treatment. From 1 September 2014, lower- to middle-income Singapore Citizens will enjoy higher subsidies of up to 70% for services at the SOCs, up from 50% currently. From 1 January 2015, they will also enjoy higher subsidies on their drugs. Pioneer Generation elderly can enjoy additional subsidies for subsidised SOC services and drugs.

To further help elderly patients lower their cash payment for outpatient treatment, the Ministry will be extending Medisave use for all scans required for diagnosis and treatment, up to $300 per year. We will also introduce a new Flexi-Medisave scheme in the first half of 2015, whereby elderly patients will be able to use up to $200 a year for their outpatient medical treatment at SOCs, as well as at the polyclinics and clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). These moves will help patients pay less cash for their outpatient treatment at the SOCs.

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