ADHD not covered by Medisave as it is less common among population

Ms Jacelyn Chia asked the Ministry of Health to consider extending Medisave use to more psychiatric conditions (“Extend Medisave to cover more psychiatric conditions”: May 12).

Under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), which was introduced in 2006 to improve outpatient chronic disease management, Singaporeans can use up to S$400 per year from their Medisave account to pay for their treatment.

Immediate family members can also use up to S$400 from their Medisave account for the patient’s bills.

The CDMP has been expanded over the years and now covers 19 chronic conditions, which were included based on various considerations, such as how common the disease is among the population and the effectiveness of early treatment in reducing complications.

Since 2014, Medisave can be used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is less common among the population, however, and is currently not covered under the CDMP.

Nevertheless, patients requiring outpatient psychotherapy services to manage ADHD can receive between 50 and 70 per cent subsidies at public healthcare institutions.

Singaporeans who still face financial difficulties after subsidies can approach medical social workers, who will review each family’s circumstances and needs.

We thank Ms Chia for her feedback and will continue to review coverage of the CDMP while bearing in mind the need to ensure sufficient Medisave balances to meet our lifetime healthcare needs.