Health Minister Gan Kim Yong is agreeable to extending the use of Medisave, but says this must be thought through carefully to ensure people do not end up depleting their savings.
The Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Health had asked in a report submitted to the minister on Tuesday that people be allowed to use Medisave for health screening, essential dental procedures and physio and occupational therapy.
"As we open up Medisave for more applications, will there be enough savings for old age and MediShield premiums?" Mr Gan asked.
Speaking at the sidelines of a thank you dinner for participants of Our Singapore Conversation on health, Mr Gan said what came through is that healthcare is important to most people and its rising high cost a worry, not just for the poor and the elderly.
"The middle and high income groups are also concerned that they may be hit by a very big bill," he said.
This is why the ministry will enhance MediShield to take care of big bills, so Singaporeans have greater assurance that they will be able to afford large medical bills.
