With MediSave Care, the Government is allowing cash withdrawals from MediSave Accounts for the first time. Hence, we have decided to start with a more cautious approach. Currently, MediSave Care allows only the applicant to withdraw from his/her own MediSave Account, supplemented by his/her spouse’s MediSave account, for long-term care. As the period that individuals could remain in severe disability can vary significantly, the period of withdrawal and amount withdrawn can be substantial. When coupled with other existing withdrawals, allowing the severely disabled to tap on their children’s MediSave Accounts for withdrawals could potentially impact their children’s MediSave adequacy and compromise their ability to afford their own healthcare needs. Similarly, allowing MediSave Care withdrawals from the severely disabled’s parents could affect the elderly’s ability to afford their own medical expenses in old age.

Singapore Citizens who are in need of financial assistance and have low MediSave Account balances may apply for ElderFund. If you are still unable to pay for your care even after Government subsidies and other means of support, there are other forms of assistance such as MediFund and ComCare.