Health Promotion Board :: Chronic Disease Management ::

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Q1.	What is the Medisave for Chronic Disease Management Programme about?
	The Medisave for Chronic Disease Management Programme aims to: • improve care for patients with chronic diseases, resulting in better health outcomes • lower long term healthcare costs. Diabetes will be the first disease to be rolled out under this Programme, followed by high blood pressure, lipid disorders (e.g. high blood cholesterol) and stroke. The Programme consists of structured treatments that are based on clinical guidelines and medical evidence. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will allow the use of Medisave for outpatient treatment under this Programme.
Q2.	Why are other chronic diseases not included in the Programme?
	When the programmes for these four diseases has been successfully implemented, other diseases may be included. Diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders and stroke are the first few diseases to be included in this Programme because: • they can result in serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure and leg amputations when not well managed • they affect a large number of patients - an estimated 1 million Singaporeans • there are proven ways to successfully manage these conditions • the cost of treating these diseases, over the long term, when poorly controlled, is expensive.
Q3.	How can I use Medisave for my outpatient chronic disease treatment?
	You can use your Medisave to pay for outpatient treatment for the following four chronic diseases: • Diabetes • Hypertension • Lipid disorders (e.g. high blood cholesterol) • Stroke For each bill, you will only need to pay the first $30 of the bill (as the deductible) as well as 15% of the balance of the bill. Medisave can be used to pay for the remaining amount. This is regardless of whether the bill is for a one-off visit or a package (e.g. on a bill of $100, you will pay $30 plus $10.50 (15% of $70) and use Medisave to settle the balance of $59.50.) Your doctor (who has to be Medisave accredited and from one of the participating clinics) will need to certify in the Medisave Authorisation form that you suffer from one of the four chronic diseases in the above list.
Q4.	How does the Programme benefit patients with chronic diseases?
	By following the Programme, you can look forward to: • treatments that are proven to be successful • better care and control of your medical condition(s) • paying less out-of-pocket cash for your outpatient treatment with the use of Medisave. Details of the MOH-recommended Chronic Disease Management Programme are available in the Patient Folder, which you will receive when you sign up for the Programme.
Q5.	How can I sign up for this Programme?
	You can sign up at any of the participating clinics directly. Clinics participating in the Programme will be identified with a decal/sticker which will be displayed at the clinic. The list of participating clinics is also available at the Health Promotion Board’s website www.hpb.gov.sg.
Q6.	How can I find out the charges at the various participating clinics?
	You can ask about the charges directly from the participating clinics. The approximate costs for some of the tests are provided in the Patient Folder.
Q7.	How would I know that the treatment I pay for using my Medisave money at the clinics is appropriate for me?
	Clinics participating under this scheme will design their disease management programmes based on MOH guidelines. A copy of the MOH-recommended treatment guidelines can be found in the Patient Folder. MOH will also conduct regular checks and clinical quality programmes to ensure that clinical standards are met.
Q8.	Will the Programme cost me more than what I am currently paying for now when I visit my doctor for my chronic condition(s)?
	As the Programme now covers a comprehensive list of check-ups, you may need to pay more, especially if you have not done some of the check-ups previously. But over the long term, you enjoy some savings as you can now take better control of your medical condition(s), and prevent complications which can cost you more.
Q9.	What are the check-ups that I need to go for as part of the Programme (e.g. Diabetes)?
	Details of the various check-ups are available in the Patient Folder which the clinic will give to you when you sign up for the Programme. For example, the Diabetes Disease Management Programme will include yearly screening for the eye, foot, kidney and heart as well as regular diet and lifestyle counselling by the doctor or nurse. This is in addition to regular check-ups for blood glucose, blood pressure, weight and cholesterol control. These check-ups will help you control your diabetes well and help detect any diabetic complications early.
Q10.	Does it mean that I have to go for more check-ups?
	This depends on your condition. Your doctor will tailor it to suit your medical condition(s) and needs.
Q11.	What should I do if I want to participate in the Programme, but my usual clinic is not participating in this scheme?
	All clinics have been invited to participate in this Programme. You may wish to check with your clinic if it is planning to be part of the Programme. Alternatively, you may invite your clinic to participate in the Programme by clicking here.
Q12.	Should I take up a package that is being offered by some clinics?
	A package should contain the MOH recommended check-ups and the frequency of check-ups for the particular disease. Some patients may find such packages convenient. However, some packages may contain additional items not covered in the MOH-recommended Chronic Disease Management Programme. As every patient’s medical condition is different, you should discuss with your doctor about your treatment plan and if a package will benefit you.
Q13.	If I take up a package programme, will I get a refund if I decide to end it?
	For refunds, it is a private arrangement between the clinic and yourself. You should find out the clinic’s policy on refunds before signing up for packages. However, any refunds from the clinic will be paid to your Medisave account first, to reimburse the funds withdrawn for the Programme.
Q14.	If I had signed up for a package with Clinic A and decide to move to Clinic B, can my package/records be transferred accordingly?
	Packages are mutual arrangements between your clinic and yourself. Hence, it will be difficult to have your package transferred from Clinic A to B, unless both clinics are agreeable. You will need to terminate your package with Clinic A, obtain the refund and sign up for another one at Clinic B. As for your medical record, the Record Book in your Patient Folder should contain the essential information for your continuing treatment. Alternatively, you can get a copy of your medical record from Clinic A.
Q15.	Why see a GP/Family Physician and not a Specialist for my chronic condition?
	Specialists are experts in certain medical specialities and concentrate on taking care of a particular body system, whereas GPs/Family Physicians are trained to provide comprehensive and holistic care for you. Your Specialist may refer you to a GP/Family Physician for continued long-term care, once your condition has stabilised. Similarly if your GP feels your medical condition needs specialist attention, he may refer you to a Specialist.
Q16.	I am getting treatment at a GP designated by my employer/outpatient insurance scheme. How does the Programme affect my employment benefit?
	The Programme will have no effect on your employment benefit/outpatient insurance scheme. You can still make use of your employer benefits/outpatient insurance scheme to pay for your bills. As Medisave is your savings, you should use your employer benefits/insurance payouts before using your Medisave to pay for the treatment.

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MEDISAVE USAGE
Q17.	What does Medisave cover?
	Medisave can be used to cover the following items involved in the outpatient treatment of diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders (e.g. high blood cholesterol) and stroke: • Consultations • Drugs/Medications (including non-standard drugs) • Laboratory tests • Diagnostic tests e.g. eye screening, foot screening. Medisave cannot be used for purchase of glucometers, glucometer strips, blood pressure monitoring equipment, wheelchairs, prosthesis or other home nursing equipment. Medisave cannot be used for treatments that are not related to the four chronic diseases.
Q18.	Why do I have to pay the deductible plus 15 per cent of the bill each time I go for treatment?
	The $30 deductible and 15% co-payment prevent a person’s Medisave from being prematurely depleted through outpatient treatments.
Q19.	Is there a limit to what I can withdraw from Medisave for outpatient treatment?
	There is a limit of $300 per Medisave account, per year, regardless of the number of chronic diseases you may have. However, you may also use the Medisave of your immediate family members* to pay for your treatment, up to a limit of $300 per year, per account. *Immediate family member refers to your spouse, child or parent. Grandparents who are citizens or permanent residents of Singapore may use the Medisave of their grandchildren as well.
Q20.	Can I use my sibling’s Medisave account?
	No, sibling's Medisave cannot be used for your bill payment.
Q21.	How can I check my Medisave balance?
	You can check your balance through CPF's website (www.cpf.gov.sg) under My CPF Online Services - My Statement. Login with your SingPass. If you do not know or have forgotten your Singpass, you can personally apply or reset your SingPass at designated SingPass counters with either your NRIC or valid passport. For a list of SingPass counter locations, visit http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/singpass/counter_locations.htm. Alternatively, you can also request for a new SingPass to be posted to you by using CPF's Online Request Service at: http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/singpass/online_request.htm. You may wish to bring a copy of your latest statement when you visit your clinic, for verification of your Medisave balance.
Q22.	Will I have to pay a fee for using Medisave for my treatments under the Chronic Disease Management Programme?
	You may be charged a fee for the processing of each Medisave transaction by the CPF Board. As with all billing, credit card or banking transactions, it costs money to process each Medisave transaction. This fee is levied on all institutions, which may choose to absorb them as part of their running costs. If they are charged to patients, CPF Board requires that it be itemised clearly in the bill. This processing fee has to be paid in cash and is not deductible from Medisave. For more information, please check with your clinic.
Q23.	Will there be additional charges if I change the Medisave account for payment?
	No. There will be no additional charges for changing the Medisave account for payment.
Q24.	I would like to use multiple Medisave accounts to pay for my treatment. Can the Medisave be deducted according to specified percentages from each of these accounts (e.g. 40% from child A and 60% from child B)?
	Yes, this is possible. Up to 10 Medisave accounts can be used in each claim. However, do take note that a processing fee will be charged for each Medisave account per bill/transaction.
Q25.	Both my parents are on the Chronic Disease Management Programme. Does it mean that I can use $600 of my Medisave per year to pay for their treatment?
	No, each Medisave account is only allowed up to $300 per year for outpatient treatment, regardless of the number of immediate family members on the Chronic Disease Management Programme.
Q26.	Can I change the Medisave account, which pays for my treatment, within the year and how will this affect the yearly limit of $300?
	Yes, you can change the Medisave account used. However, you are only allowed to claim up to $300 per year, per account.
Q27.	I am a diabetic with other chronic conditions, which are not one of the four listed for outpatient Medisave use. If I were to see my doctor for my diabetes as well as my other medical conditions at the same time, will the Medisave claim include these other conditions?
	Medisave can only be used for treatment of medical conditions related to the four listed chronic diseases. Please check with your doctor on whether your other chronic conditions are related to the four listed chronic diseases.
Q28.	If I were to see my doctor for my chronic disease (e.g. diabetes) and an acute illness (e.g. flu), can I claim for the entire bill from Medisave?
	Medisave can only be used for treatments related to the four chronic diseases listed. If your attendance is purely for an acute or unrelated condition, Medisave deduction is not allowed even though you may have one or more of the four listed chronic diseases.
Q29.	The GP who is treating me for diabetes/hypertension/lipid disorders/stroke has referred me to a Specialist Clinic for a related outpatient treatment. Can I still use my Medisave at the Specialist Clinic?
	Medisave can be used as long as the GP/Specialist Clinic is participating in the Medisave for Chronic Disease Management Programme and the doctor certifies that the treatment received is related to one of the four listed chronic diseases.
Q30.	Different clinics charge different pricing for the Programme. Will the Medisave limits and conditions take into account the pricing differences?
	No, the same Medisave limits and conditions apply regardless of the pricing at the various clinics.
Q31.	Can Medisave be used to settle outstanding bills which are unpaid as at the implementation date?
	No, Medisave can only be used to pay for outpatient treatment bills incurred after the implementation date.