Extra charges on Medisave withdrawals should be waived

Letter from Lau Swee Kwong 04:45 AM Jan 25, 2012


Since Nov 1, Medisave could be used to pay for outpatient treatment for dementia and bipolar disorder.

Minister of State (Health) Amy Khor had said this would "help reduce out-of-pocket expenses" and make treatment more affordable for Singaporeans with such conditions.

When I contacted the hospital where my 88-year-old mother has her check-ups for dementia, I was told she could withdraw up to S$400 a year from her or my Medisave for her treatment, but only 85 per cent of the cost will be offset each time.

The Medisave cap makes it insufficient to cover her monthly medications and other treatments, which can amount to at least S$1,200 a month.

Also, she will be charged S$3.14 for each Medisave withdrawal. I wrote to the authority about this, and the Health Ministry replied that it was a processing fee.

This month, when I brought my mother to the hospital, a nurse interviewed her to assess her condition and endorse her Medisave withdrawal.

She was charged S$8 for an interview that I thought was redundant, since the specialist who has been treating her for years had certified her condition.

Government services are funded by countless taxes. Why are extra charges imposed on Medisave withdrawals, making the poor pay more for using the programme, which is supposed to reduce their expenses?

If a government wants to recover the costs of all services or make profit from them, then the government will become a business, not public service.

To allay adverse public reaction and social cost, the Government should waive such charges for sick citizens who are already burdened with exorbitant health care costs.
Ref:itoday