Evaluating MediSave Withdrawal Limit to Address Healthcare Costs, Evolving Medical Technologies and Changing Needs

15 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health what are the Ministry's upcoming plans to re-evaluate the MediSave withdrawal limit including the consideration on regularity of reviews or public consultations in response to shifting healthcare costs, evolving medical technologies and changing needs of Singaporeans.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: MediSave withdrawal limits are reviewed regularly. For example, this year, we announced that the withdrawal limits for the Flexi-MediSave Scheme and Outpatient Scans will be raised from $300 to $400, and $300 to $600 respectively. Flexi-MediSave will also be extended to costlier dental treatments, like root canals and permanent crowns.

The objective of MediSave is to help Singaporeans save for their future healthcare needs, especially for major acute episodes, which tend to happen when one grows old. Enhancements to MediSave are therefore considered carefully to strike a balance between defraying current healthcare expenditure and ensuring that Singaporeans have enough MediSave to meet their future healthcare needs.