Additional Financial Resources for Cancer Patients to Draw on under Recommended Changes by MediShield Life Council

32 Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Health under the changes recommended by the MediShield Life Council to be implemented in September 2022, whether cancer patients will have additional financial resources to draw on to cover the cost of cancer scans, beyond the current annual MediSave withdrawal limit of $600.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: From September 2022, as part of the enhancement to MediShield Life, patients receiving cancer drug treatments can separately claim up to an additional $1,200 per year to cover other outpatient costs incurred, such as for scans, as part of the cancer drug treatment. This is above and beyond the claimable limits for cancer drug treatments. For patients undergoing radiotherapy, they can claim the cost of their scans and related services under the radiotherapy limits instead, which range from $300 to $1,800 per treatment. Scans that are done inpatient can continue to be claimed under the inpatient claim limits.

Patients with Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), which cover seven in 10 Singapore Residents, may also claim the cost of their cancer scans from their IP where applicable.

Singaporeans who face difficulties paying for cancer drug treatments and related services after subsidies, insurance and MediSave can apply for MediFund for further assistance.