Use of MediSave for Parents' Medical Bills

Debated in Parliament on 12 Aug 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

David Ong questioned the number of MediSave withdrawal requests from seniors aged 60 and above for parents' medical bills and suggested a review to promote shared family responsibility in elder care.
Gan Kim Yong noted that in 2012, about 4,600 CPF members aged 60 and above withdrew an average of $2,000 from their MediSave for parents' treatment, representing 2% of that age group's total withdrawals.
He explained that using MediSave for family healthcare supports children caring for parents but must be balanced to ensure sufficient savings for their own needs, with top-ups via GST Voucher and financial assistance options available.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

David Ong

Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current number of requests received from individuals who are 60 years old or above for use of their MediSave to pay for their parents' medical bills; and (b) whether the Ministry can review such requests to promote shared responsibility in the care of one's parents.

Gan Kim Yong

In 2012, about 4,600 CPF members aged 60 years old and above withdrew an average of $2,000 from their MediSave accounts to pay for their parents' treatment. This represents about 2% of the total number of members in this age group who withdrew from their MediSave accounts.

The use of MediSave for family members' healthcare expenses enables children to better care for their parents in old age, including financially. However, we are mindful to calibrate this to ensure that they have sufficient savings for their own healthcare needs. Thus, the Government has provided MediSave top-ups for the elderly under the GST Voucher scheme, to help relieve the burden on their children. Those from low-income families with insufficient MediSave balances can also apply for financial assistance, including MediFund.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

David Ong questioned the number of MediSave withdrawal requests from seniors aged 60 and above for parents' medical bills and suggested a review to promote shared family responsibility in elder care.
Gan Kim Yong noted that in 2012, about 4,600 CPF members aged 60 and above withdrew an average of $2,000 from their MediSave for parents' treatment, representing 2% of that age group's total withdrawals.
He explained that using MediSave for family healthcare supports children caring for parents but must be balanced to ensure sufficient savings for their own needs, with top-ups via GST Voucher and financial assistance options available.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Use of MediSave for Parents' Medical Bills | PAPERCUTS

Use of MediSave for Parents' Medical Bills

Debated in Parliament on 12 Aug 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

David Ong questioned the number of MediSave withdrawal requests from seniors aged 60 and above for parents' medical bills and suggested a review to promote shared family responsibility in elder care.
Gan Kim Yong noted that in 2012, about 4,600 CPF members aged 60 and above withdrew an average of $2,000 from their MediSave for parents' treatment, representing 2% of that age group's total withdrawals.
He explained that using MediSave for family healthcare supports children caring for parents but must be balanced to ensure sufficient savings for their own needs, with top-ups via GST Voucher and financial assistance options available.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

David Ong

Gan Kim Yong

Summary written by AI (learn more)

David Ong questioned the number of MediSave withdrawal requests from seniors aged 60 and above for parents' medical bills and suggested a review to promote shared family responsibility in elder care.
Gan Kim Yong noted that in 2012, about 4,600 CPF members aged 60 and above withdrew an average of $2,000 from their MediSave for parents' treatment, representing 2% of that age group's total withdrawals.
He explained that using MediSave for family healthcare supports children caring for parents but must be balanced to ensure sufficient savings for their own needs, with top-ups via GST Voucher and financial assistance options available.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Use of MediSave for Parents' Medical Bills

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

David Ong

Gan Kim Yong

Summary

Questions Identified

Use of MediSave for Parents' Medical Bills

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

David Ong

Gan Kim Yong

Summary

Questions Identified