Additional Annual Subsidies for Outpatient MRI Scans for Retired or Low-income Citizens
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Carrie Tan’s inquiry about providing additional annual subsidies for outpatient MRI scans specifically for retired or low-income citizens. Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that the Ministry provides means-tested subsidies of up to 70% at specialist clinics, with additional discounts for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors. Patients can also utilize $300 from MediSave for scans, with an extra $300 available under Flexi-MediSave for those aged 60 and above. Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that for those with further financial needs, MediFund ensures that basic healthcare remains affordable for all patients. The Ministry of Health will continue to review its healthcare financing framework to maintain the accessibility and affordability of diagnostic services.
Transcript
32 Ms Carrie Tan asked the Minister for Health in view of the high cost of MRI scans, whether the Ministry will consider providing additional annual subsidies on top of the existing $300 MediSave funding for outpatient MRI scans, specifically for retired or low-income citizens.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are needed for diagnosing conditions, such as tumours and inflammation. The more common MRI scans cost around $1,000 per scan.
To make scans more affordable, the Ministry of Health (MOH) provides means-tested subsidies of up to 70% to patients at public Specialist Outpatient Clinics. Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors get additional subsidies covering 50% or 25% off their remaining bill respectively.
In addition to subsidies, patients can offset their remaining bill by tapping on their MediSave for up to $300 per year for outpatient diagnostic scans, including MRI scans. Seniors aged 60 and above can withdraw an additional $300 per year from MediSave for MRI scans under the Flexi-MediSave scheme. Taken together, Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors would likely incur low, if not, zero out-of-pocket payments at public Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
Patients who still face difficulties coping with their bills can approach Medical Social Workers to apply for financial assistance, such as MediFund. MOH commits that no one will be denied basic healthcare due to inability to pay. We will continually review our healthcare financing framework to ensure that healthcare remains affordable and accessible to the population.