S’poreans to receive up to S$400 Medisave top—up in March

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans will enjoy a one—off Medisave top—up of up to S$400 in March this year to offset adjustments to their MediShield or Integrated Shield Plan premiums.

This was announced by the government in Budget 2012 to alleviate concerns over premium affordability given the increase in premiums.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said this in a written reply to a question from Nominated Member of Parliament Mary Liew.

Ms Liew had asked whether the government will consider reviewing the cost and coverage of MediShield so that more elderly persons can be insured under the scheme.

Enhancements to MediShield will take effect from 1 March.

Among the changes — the policy year limit will be increased from S$50,000 to S$70,000, while lifetime limits will be raised from S$200,000 to S$300,000.

In his reply to Ms Liew, Mr Gan added that less well—off elderly Singaporeans have been receiving regular Medisave top—ups of up to S$450 a year since 2012 through the GST Voucher for Medisave to help them with various healthcare expenses.

Ms Liew had also asked if the government will consider increasing the national healthcare budget so that the elderly will incur less out—of—pocket expenses.

Mr Gan said the yearly healthcare budget will be doubled from S$4 billion in 2011 to S$8 billion in 2016, as stated in last year’s Budget.

— CNA/xq