MEDISAVE WITHDRAWALS IN 2008 AND 2009

MEDISAVE WITHDRAWALS IN 2008 AND 2009

14.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of how much was withdrawn from MediSave in 2008 and 2009 to pay for the medical fees of (i) the Medisave account holder; (ii) his spouse; (iii) his children; (iv) his parents; and (v) his grandparents, who are Singaporeans or permanent residents.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Last year, Singaporeans withdrew a total of $660 million from their Medisave accounts to pay for the direct medical expenses incurred in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. This was an increase from the $590 million withdrawn in 2008. These figures do not include withdrawals for MediShield and ElderShield premium payments which were $745 million in 2008 and $875 million in 2009.

Fifty-two per cent of the withdrawals in 2009 were to pay for the members' own direct medical expenses. The remaining withdrawals were to pay for family members: 17% for spouses, 18% for parents, 12% for children, 1% for grandparents and others. The breakdown in 2008 and previous years was similar.

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