IN HIS letter ("Medisave rules for elderly detract from aim"; Forum Online, March 13), Mr Leong Cheng Kong asked why he was unable to utilise his Medisave to pay for treatment during his recent visit to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC).
Medisave is designed to help pay for subsidised expenses for hospitalisation, surgery and more costly, recurrent outpatient treatment, such as cancer treatment or renal dialysis.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) reviews the use of Medisave regularly, but will need to balance between allowing wider use of Medisave and ensuring that Singaporeans have enough Medisave for both their medical expenses and health insurance premiums during retirement.
Subsidised patients who require assistance with their medical bills can approach the public healthcare institutions' medical social workers.
In this case, MOH notes that SNEC has helped Mr Leong apply for subsidies to significantly reduce the out-of-pocket payment.
We thank Mr Leong for his feedback.
Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health
Medisave is designed to help pay for subsidised expenses for hospitalisation, surgery and more costly, recurrent outpatient treatment, such as cancer treatment or renal dialysis.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) reviews the use of Medisave regularly, but will need to balance between allowing wider use of Medisave and ensuring that Singaporeans have enough Medisave for both their medical expenses and health insurance premiums during retirement.
Subsidised patients who require assistance with their medical bills can approach the public healthcare institutions' medical social workers.
In this case, MOH notes that SNEC has helped Mr Leong apply for subsidies to significantly reduce the out-of-pocket payment.
We thank Mr Leong for his feedback.
Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health
