Debated in Parliament on 14 Jan 2013.
Ms Mary Liew asked the Minister for Health whether the Government will consider (a) increasing the national healthcare budget so that the elderly will incur less out-of-pocket expenses; and (b) reviewing the cost and coverage of MediShield so that more elderly persons can be insured under the scheme.
In line with changing needs of Singaporeans, the Ministry of Health has steadily increased the national healthcare budget to build new capacity, improve quality and enhance affordability. As stated in last year's Budget, we will be doubling our yearly healthcare budget from $4 billion in 2011 to about $8 billion in 2016.
Last year, we significantly enhanced subsidies and eligibility in the primary care and intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) sectors. These measures target additional help to the middle- and lower-income groups.
To help the elderly remain enrolled in MediShield, the Government will be providing a one-time Medisave top-up of up to $400 this year to offset the adjustments to their MediShield or Integrated Shield Plan premiums. In addition, from 2012, less well-off elderly Singaporeans will receive regular Medisave top-ups of up to $450 a year through GST Voucher for Medisave to help them with various healthcare expenses.
In MOH's on-going major review of our healthcare financing system, we will continue to keep healthcare affordable through the provision of heavy subsidies and the 3Ms (Medisave, MediShield, Medifund) financing framework.
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