Forum: Increase amount allocated for Flexi-MediSave

I refer to the Forum letter “Increase MediSave withdrawal limit to lessen cash outlay” (July 4).

In April 2015, Flexi-MediSave was introduced to allow the elderly to use their MediSave more flexibly and reduce their out-of-pocket costs for outpatient medical care.

Currently, Flexi-MediSave lets CPF members aged 60 and above use their or their spouse’s MediSave (if the spouse is also aged 60 and above), up to $300 a year, for outpatient medical treatments and approved vaccinations and screenings at polyclinics, public hospital specialist outpatient clinics and Community Health Assist Scheme general practitioner clinics.

Yearly, $300 is transferred from the patient’s or spouse’s MediSave account to his Flexi-MediSave.

Once the $300 is depleted, the person has to wait till the following year for another $300 to be credited to his Flexi-MediSave.

Any unused portion of the $300 in any year cannot be carried forward to the following year.

Given the increase in prices of drugs over the years, and the frequent visits by patients to specialist outpatient clinics and polyclinics, the $300 a year is barely sufficient, especially for those with chronic diseases. 

I had written to the Health Ministry to ask for the amount to be raised from $300 a year to $500, but my appeal was unsuccessful. I hope the ministry will review the matter. 

Pavithran Vidyadharan