Forum: Increase MediSave withdrawal limit to lessen cash outlay
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Recently I had an MRI done at a public hospital. After government subsidies, the bill came up to $1,324.69. I was told I can withdraw up to a maximum of $300 per year from my MediSave to offset the bill. That leaves me to settle $1,024.69 by cash.
I’m a stay-at-home mum and have neither income nor employment medical coverage. My family of four depends on my husband’s income. I have multiple medical conditions and am on follow-up with five specialist outpatient clinics as well as a polyclinic. I need at least one MRI a year to monitor my condition. My medical expenses have greatly taxed my family’s disposable income and savings.
I do not expect the Government to give me more subsidies as I have more than enough in MediSave to pay for my MRI. What I hope is to be allowed to use my MediSave to pay for my expensive outpatient tests.
After all, most of us are already covered by MediShield and integrated plans for hospitalisation. So we would not need to tap MediSave much even if we were hospitalised.
Hence I see no reason why I have to leave the sum in my MediSave which will only benefit my beneficiary after my death, while I have to pay my medical bills with cash while I’m alive. Medical costs have been rising, but not the limit set on the use of MediSave for medical investigations. Is it time for a review?
Yong Wai Ying
