Awhile ago, i sent a message to PM Lee Hsien Loong on how it is inappropriate that MS patients cannot use Medisave on their treatment because it does not fall within the limits of approved chronic diseases and that leaves many of us with no choice but to opt out of treatment because it is too costly. FYI, monthly treatment can costs anywhere between $2000-$5000 and unless you have a huge paycheck, having to fork out this amount in cash is rather difficult. I didnt receive a reply until today - I was pleasantly surprised that PM Lees FB Page Administrator had sent me a message and told me that my feedback will be shared with the relevant agencies. I was also asked to provide for my email address so I can presumably, be contacted and be kept in the loop? I really hope the government will reconsider the withdrawal limits for Medisave for MS patients like myself. I think the some of the limits (e.g. outpatient MRI scans, CT scans and other diagnostics for cancer patients) were recently amended but no offence, a withdrawal limit of up to $600 per year is really quite little as a single MRI scan already costs $1200 and some patients may need it multiple times per year. I know there is the Medifund and subsidies available for genuinely needy patients (Im not entirely sure whether this is sufficient considering the magnitude of the costs - monthly treatments, blood tests to monitor for adverse reactions from the treatment, MRI scans etc.) but what about middle-income folks? Not poor enough for subsidies but not rich enough to comfortably afford treatment. Nevermind me, because I am still generally functional and may be able to go on for awhile more without treatment (and fortunately, I have insurance to cover for my MRIs), but my heart goes out to those severely impacted by the disease but cannot afford to even try out the treatment or go for routine MRI scans because of the sum of money involved. Hopefully, the relevant agencies will take into consideration my feedback and make the necessary changes to Medisave withdrawal limits. Im not even asking for FREE treatment (I know a Canadian MS patient who didnt even have to think twice about whether to go for treatment or not because healthcare is free!) - I am only asking for permission to use my own money in my Medisave account, thats all. :) Happy Friday, my friends, and thanks for reading this lengthy rant! #msblog #msawareness
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 10:01:24 +0000
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