Patients with complex chronic conditions can withdraw more from their MediSave from 2021

SINGAPORE — From next year, people suffering from complex chronic conditions such as hypertension and stroke will be able to use more of their own MediSave funds to pay for treatment.

This follows the Ministry of Health (MOH) announcing during its Committee of Supply debate on Thursday (March 5) a new scheme called MediSave700, which will be an enhancement of the existing MediSave500 scheme.

The new scheme allows eligible patients to withdraw up to S$700 from their own MediSave account each year, up from S$500 currently.

Set to launch on Jan 1, 2021, MOH said the move is expected to benefit some 176,000 patients.

The ministry said the withdrawals are applicable for patients who make MediSave claims for two or more conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), or one CDMP condition with complications. 

The plan covers 20 chronic diseases, said the MOH, which includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (lipid disorders) and stroke.

Patients will continue to be able to claim for other existing approved treatments such as vaccinations and screenings.

Those with insufficient savings in their MediSave can continue to tap their family members’ accounts, but the total amount withdrawn from all accounts is capped at the S$700 limit.

Currently, patients are allowed to withdraw up to the S$500 limit for each MediSave account used.

MOH explained that the change from the current per-account basis to a per-patient basis, for patients relying on their family members’ MediSave, is due to the new higher withdrawal limit. 

“This change will allow patients to withdraw an amount of MediSave that is commensurate with their medical needs,” said the MOH.