My journey as a parent in Singapore has been incredibly challenging. With two children, ten years apart in age, both diagnosed with ADHD, the financial burden of securing the necessary psychological and psychiatric assistance has been a constant battle. Until this week, I had to delay even beginning psychological sessions for my daughter, who is now 16, due to the overwhelming financial strain. I find myself spending at least $1000 a year on medical expenses for just one child, even with care provided at public institutions like KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health, which are significantly more affordable than private clinics.

For middle-class working parents, the costs of education, special needs therapy, and additional medical subscriptions pile up along with daily household expenses, making it extremely difficult to provide for a child with special needs. The rigidity of Medisave usage guidelines adds another layer of stress, hampering our ability to adequately care for our children's mental well-being.

Given these financial challenges, I am advocating for policy reform in Singapore that would grant parents like myself the flexibility to use Medisave funds to cover special needs medical costs for our children. This would alleviate a significant portion of the financial load, allowing us to focus more on our children's health and development rather than on the constant worry about affording necessary treatments.

According to a recent report, families of children with developmental disorders in Singapore face high out-of-pocket expenses. These costs are often cited as barriers to accessing early intervention, which is critical for improving long-term outcomes. By allowing Medisave withdrawals for special needs medical payments, we can ensure more children get the timely help they deserve, offering them a better chance at leading fulfilling lives.

Please join me in urging Singapore's Ministry of Health to review and revise the Medisave policies. Sign this petition to enable greater financial freedom for families with special needs children, ensuring they get the necessary treatment and support without financial hardship. Our children deserve every opportunity for a brighter, healthier future. Stand with us to make this change towards a more inclusive healthcare policy. Sign the petition today.