"Insistent Denials 'R' Us"

• HyperFocal

  23 Jan 08, 05:42

  Medisave balance of $33,000 adequate for hospitalisation needs: Khaw
  
  Tue, Jan 22, 2008
  The Straits Times
  
  SINGAPOREANS have an average $13,600 in their Medisave accounts, which can cover up to 13 Class C or 10 Class B2 hospitalisations.
  
  Coupled with their MediShield, the current Medisave balance of $33,000 is sufficient to take care of most Singaporeans' basic hospitalisation needs, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
  
  But he acknowledged that as hospital services are upgraded to meet rising expectations of patients, and new medical technology is brought in, costs will continue to rise. And with this, the demand on Medisave will grow.
  
  He said that is why the Government has periodically adjusted the Medisave minimum sum, currently set at $28,500, and the Medisave contribution ceiling, at $33,500.
  
  Mr Khaw said this in his written reply on Monday to a question from NMP Eunice Elizabeth Olsen, who had asked if the Medisave balance of $33,000 was enough to pay for eight years of treatment, given a recent Ministry of Health survey which found that Singaporeans suffer eight years of poor health.
  
  Responding, Mr Khaw said the MOH survey on poor health refers to ill-health of varying severity, and being in ill-health does not necessarily mean a person requires hospitalisation.
  
  'Many of us continue to lead a normal life with our health being less than perfect,' said Mr Khaw.
  
  He explained that Medisave is designed to help Singaporeans cope with their hospitalisation expenses at the Class B2 and C level.
  
  'On average, Singaporeans have $13,600 in their Medisave accounts. This amount is sufficient for 13 Class C or 10 Class B2 hospitalisations. Coupled with MediShield, it should take care of most Singaporeans' basic hospitalisation needs,' said Mr Khaw.
  
  He also stressed the need to preserve Medisave savings for our age, and whenever possible, Singaporeans should work to increase these savings.
  
  
• phil30k

  23 Jan 08, 08:53

  I don't understand how not using our medisave and saving it for our old age makes for logical advice.
  
  I think he may not have thought it out enough.
• HyperFocal

  23 Jan 08, 09:03

  Originally posted by phil30k:

  I don't understand how not using our medisave and saving it for our old age makes for logical advice.
  
  I think he may not have thought it out enough.

  ... it's called Fixed Legislated Logic...
  
  ... people are denied the use of their Medisave funds to medicate whatever ailments they have now, & when by the time they are allowed to do so in their old age (if they ever live to that age...) their condition/s will have gotten worse & the amount then allowed will not be sufficient to prolong their lives...
  
  ... all I can see is that they are NOT willing to help people, and are just delaying payout of monies belonging to the people... just lots of excuses in the guise of Caring for your Old Age Needs...
  
  ... utter BullCrap...!!
  
  
• HyperFocal

  26 Jan 08, 07:06

  Lim Wei Chean
  Fri, Jan 25, 2008
  The Straits Times
  
  What's happening with cabbies' earnings?
  
  THE lone Singapore taxi company to decide against raising its fares last month could soon reverse that decision.
  
  Drivers from Prime Taxis, the island's smallest cab firm, will vote next Tuesday on whether to raise flag down fares and after-hours rates, said managing director Neo Nam Heng.
  
  The company's 100 cabbies saw their take-home pay drop 50 per cent after five of Singapore's six companies raised fares in December, a move that drove many commuters away from taxis.
  
  'For the first two weeks, there was a fall in their income because people saw the other companies increase price and stopped taking cabs,' said Mr Neo.
  
  The situation, though, has improved recently.
  
  Drivers are seeing their income inch back up to the pre-hike rate of $100 to $120 a day, said Mr Neo.
  
  It has been a roller coaster ride for Singapore's taxi companies, some of whom, like Prime Taxis, are starting to see business rebound.
  
  Drivers from the island's biggest firm, Comfort DelGo, have seen their take-home pay creep upwards over the last few weeks.
  
  The average ComfortDelGro cabbie earned $159 per shift, up from $153 before the fare increase, according to a company survey of 5,000 drivers.