Outcome of Appeals to Use MediSave beyond Current Limits for Assisted Conception Procedures

7 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health for the past five years (a) how many appeals have been received from couples to use MediSave beyond the current limits to pay for Assisted Conception Procedures; (b) how many and what percentage of appeals received are successful; and (c) what are the top three reasons for rejecting the appeals.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Out of about 7,000 Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) cycles a year that tap on MediSave, the Ministry of Health (MOH) receives about 30 appeals to use MediSave beyond the prevailing withdrawal limits in a year. As MediSave is primarily intended to help Singaporeans put aside savings for their basic healthcare needs in retirement, MOH will accede to appeals to use MediSave beyond the ACP withdrawal limits only in exceptional cases, taking into account factors such as the family's financial and social situation. For example, we have in the past approved appeals from couples who encountered unexpected medical complications during a cycle and were unable to afford the cost of treatment.