Medisave Surgery Withdrawal Limits Raised
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced in Parliament last week that the Medisave withdrawal limits for medical operations at private hospitals will be increased starting June 2009. Current limits of $150~5,000 will go up substantially to a range of $250~7,550. The move is expected to affect only patients of B1 and higher class wards as the current limits already exceed patients' shares of the bills in more highly-subsidized B2 and C wards.
In his speech, Minister Khaw also commented on Member of Parliament Josephine Teo's request that Medisave be allowed for overseas medical care. He expressed in-principle agreement, but said that the ministry was still considering the implications, safety and quality concerns, and the issue of fraudulent claims in allowing such a move.