Medisave now covers more mental illnesses

Patients receiving treatment for some mental health illnesses can now claim back fees under the healthcare scheme Medisave.

From November 2011, contributions paid into Medisave can be used to pay for outpatient treatment and medication for dementia and bipolar disorder.

The Medisave scheme was extended to include these two mental illnesses following a campaign from MPs and other health industry experts.

The Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS) will also be extended to include bipolar disorder and dementia, meaning elderly patients will be able to receive treatment for these conditions from their GP at polyclinic rates.

In total, ten chronic diseases are covered under PCPS and the Medisave scheme. MPs are calling for a yearly review, to consider whether other conditions need to be included with the schemes and to take into account the rising cost of living.