Appeals by Singaporeans Aged 62 and Above to Use Medisave Beyond Withdrawal Limit
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the frequency and outcome of appeals by Singaporeans aged 62 and above to exceed MediSave withdrawal limits, as well as potential reviews of these caps. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported that approximately 200 such appeals were received over two years with a 50% success rate based on clinical and financial needs. He noted that existing limits and MediShield Life covered 92% of post-subsidy bills in 2017, and there are currently no plans to lift the limits for those aged 80 and above. The Minister highlighted recent enhancements, including raising the outpatient chronic treatment limit to $500 and lowering the Flexi-MediSave eligibility age to 60. He concluded that any further limit increases must be balanced against the long-term sustainability of MediSave accounts while MediFund provides additional support.
Transcript
25 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Health in the past two years (a) how many Singaporeans aged 62 and above have made an appeal to use their Medisave beyond the withdrawal limit; (b) how many of these appeals have been successful; (c) whether the Ministry can review and increase the withdrawal limit; and (d) whether the withdrawal limit can be lifted for those aged 80 and above.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Over the past two years, MOH received about 200 appeals from patients aged 62 and above to use their MediSave monies beyond the prevailing withdrawal limits. These appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the need for more complex treatments, unforeseen complications, and financial difficulties that make it hard for the family to pay the outstanding bill. About half of the appeals were approved.
The MediSave withdrawal limits are set to be sufficient for the vast majority of subsidised healthcare expenses, after government subsidies and MediShield Life payouts. In 2017, MediShield Life and MediSave together were able to cover about 92% of the post-subsidy bill for inpatient hospitalisation and day surgeries. For seniors aged 80 and above, more than 7 in 10 hospitalisations in subsidised wards did not require any cash payment, and more than 8 in 10 paid less than $100 in cash.
There are no plans at present to lift the withdrawal limit. We do, however, recognise that the elderly have greater need for healthcare. In recent years, we have enhanced outpatient subsidies and introduced MediShield Life, and these have improved affordability for all Singaporeans, especially the elderly. We have also introduced targeted initiatives, such as the Pioneer Generation Package, specifically for the elderly. As for MediSave withdrawals, we just raised the annual MediSave limit for outpatient chronic treatments from $400 to $500 in June this year. At the same time, we lowered the minimum age under the Flexi-MediSave scheme from age 65 to 60, so that more Singaporeans can use up to another $200 of MediSave flexibly each year for outpatient care.
MOH will continue to monitor the affordability of subsidised care. Any further increases in MediSave withdrawal limits, whether for outpatient or inpatient care, should be considered very carefully and balanced against the longer term sustainability of MediSave accounts to serve the needs of Singaporeans. We will also continue to consider appeals for usage of MediSave above the withdrawal limits and extend MediFund to those who need additional financial assistance.