More Flexibility in Use of MediSave for Maintenance Rehabilitation

11 Mr Christopher de Souza asked Minister for Health whether the Ministry will increase flexibility in the use of MediSave for maintenance rehabilitation especially for stroke patients who need long-term maintenance to keep their physical condition up.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: MediSave is primarily designed to help Singaporeans put aside sufficient savings for their hospitalisation expenses, particularly in old age. In considering any further expansion, it is important to ensure that Singaporeans have enough MediSave for such purposes.

Today, MediSave is allowed for active rehabilitation, which helps patients recover their functional status, including those who are recovering from stroke. From mid-2020, severely disabled patients aged 30 and above can withdraw up to $200 per month in cash from their own and/or their spouse's MediSave accounts to support their care needs, which can be used for maintenance exercise.

There are also other forms of support available to patients. Patients receive subsidies of up to 80% for non-residential long-term care services, including maintenance exercise. Those who require further financial assistance can approach medical social workers for assistance.