Data on Post-natal Care Services and Costs, and Use of MediSave for Post-delivery Complications at Public and Private Hospitals

9 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Government has information on (i) the types of post-natal care services and (ii) average costs incurred for such services within eight weeks after delivery at public and private hospitals respectively; and (b) whether the Government will consider allowing the use of MediSave for postpartum care services at public and private hospitals, especially where there are post-delivery complications.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Under the MediSave Maternity Package, MediSave can be used to pay for pre-delivery and delivery expenses as these tend to be more costly. For mothers with post-delivery complications requiring hospitalisation, MediShield Life will provide additional coverage, on top of MediSave.

Some mothers may require additional outpatient post-natal services in hospitals or primary care, such as lactation support or post-natal depression screening. The Ministry of Health (MOH) does not track the costs of such post-natal care, which tend to be episodic.

There are many requests for Medisave to cover more treatments to minimise cash outlay for patients. We need to strike a balance and ensure MediSave adequacy while keeping Central Provident Fund contribution rates reasonable for all. Nevertheless, Singaporeans who face affordability challenges with their post-natal medical care can approach medical social workers in our public hospitals to assess their eligibility for financial assistance, such as MediFund. The MOH will continue to review our financing schemes to ensure maternity services remain affordable.