MOH: Outpatient MediSave Use

4 Mar 2026

Committee of Supply Debate 2026, Ministry of Health

I repeat my call for MOH to expand coverage for all chronic diseases under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), and not just 23 approved conditions. This would ensure any condition requiring long term management can be subsidised under CHAS and paid for via MediSave.

Even for conditions on the CDMP list, the MediSave 500/700 withdrawal limits can be restrictive. I last raised this issue in 2021 and the Senior Minister of State argued that the risk of over consumption necessitates these caps. However, how does this apply to public healthcare institutions where salaried doctors follow strict protocols?

The real risk is not over consumption, but under treatment. When patients are forced to choose between their cash and their care, some may choose to skip medications or appointments to save money. Self rationing today can lead to a massive bill tomorrow for an emergency hospitalisation. This is a tremendous cost to both individual patients and the healthcare system. Has the Ministry assessed the clinical cost of medical non-compliance caused by rigid MediSave withdrawal limits?

Singaporeans want to be self reliant and not have to appeal for subsidies or medical assistance. The Ministry should allow more flexible MediSave withdrawals at public healthcare institutions for patients over 60, especially for those with significant MediSave balances.

Author: Gerald Giam

Gerald Giam is the Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC. He is the Head of Policy Research of the Workers' Party of Singapore. The opinions expressed on this page are his alone. View all posts by Gerald Giam