Medisave balance of $33,000 adequate
for hospitalisation needs: Khaw
Tue, Jan 22, 2008
The Straits Times
SINGAPOREANS have an average $13,600 in their Medisave accounts,
which can cover up to 13 Class C or 10 Class B2
hospitalisations.
Coupled with their MediShield, the current Medisave balance of
$33,000 is sufficient to take care of most Singaporeans' basic
hospitalisation needs, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
But he acknowledged that as hospital services are upgraded to meet
rising expectations of patients, and new medical technology is
brought in, costs will continue to rise. And with this, the demand
on Medisave will grow.
He said that is why the Government has periodically adjusted the
Medisave minimum sum, currently set at $28,500, and the Medisave
contribution ceiling, at $33,500.
Mr Khaw said this in his written reply on Monday to a question from
NMP Eunice Elizabeth Olsen, who had asked if the Medisave balance
of $33,000 was enough to pay for eight years of treatment, given a
recent Ministry of Health survey which found that Singaporeans
suffer eight years of poor health.
Responding, Mr Khaw said the MOH survey on poor health refers to
ill-health of varying severity, and being in ill-health does not
necessarily mean a person requires hospitalisation.
'Many of us continue to lead a normal life with our health being
less than perfect,' said Mr Khaw.
He explained that Medisave is designed to help Singaporeans cope
with their hospitalisation expenses at the Class B2 and C
level.
'On average, Singaporeans have $13,600 in their Medisave accounts.
This amount is sufficient for 13 Class C or 10 Class B2
hospitalisations. Coupled with MediShield, it should take care of
most Singaporeans' basic hospitalisation needs,' said Mr
Khaw.
He also stressed the need to preserve Medisave savings for our age,
and whenever possible, Singaporeans should work to increase these
savings.