Martin Lee @ Sg
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Medisave for Mental Illness

Medisave can be used to pay for the outpatient treatment of two more chronic diseases, schizophrenia and major depression, starting from 1st October 2009.

Schizophrenia and Major Depression are chronic mental diseases that can potentially cause significant burden and disability.  Schizophrenia, which affects nearly 1% of the population, is a chronic psychiatric disorder that requires long-term medication and treatment.  Major Depression is a more serious form of depression and may cause significant distress or impairment in the patients’ daily activities, but is highly treatable once diagnosed.

In 2006/2007, the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) was launched to allow Medisave for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders (e.g. high cholesterol) and stroke. In April 2008, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were added.

Medisave withdrawal rules under the CDMP remains unchanged: withdrawals are capped at $300 per Medisave account per year. The existing deductible of $30 and co-payment of 15% will also apply – which means the first $30 and subsequent 15% of the bill would have to be paid using cash.

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