Singapore to raise MediSave limit for HIV drugs to ease treatment costs

SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Health (MOH) will increase the monthly MediSave withdrawal limit for HIV drugs from SGD 550 to 850, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam announced on Saturday (May 23).

This policy will take effect on 1 June 2026 and aims to ease the ongoing cost of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, Madam Rahayu said at the Singapore HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress.

"This will make it easier for patients to manage the lifelong, recurrent expenditures associated with regular antiretroviral therapy regimens, and consequently, make HIV treatments more accessible," she said.

In addition to the increased withdrawal limit, patients will be able to use their family members' MediSave accounts to pay for treatment, which will enable their loved ones to support them more effectively.

The announcement came alongside the release of Singapore's 2025 HIV/AIDS data, which revealed 166 new cases among citizens and permanent residents, up from 151 the previous year, though well below the 300 to 500 cases recorded annually between 2009 and 2019.

To combat HIV and support people living with the condition, Singapore employs the "95-95-95" framework developed by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). This framework aims to achieve at least 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, at least 95% of those knowing their status being on treatment, and at least 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

As of now, Singapore has reached the milestone of nearly 90% of people living with HIV knowing their diagnosis, with around 96% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and almost 94% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

"While we have successfully met the second target and are close to achieving the first and third targets, gaps remain," said Madam Rahayu, citing delayed diagnosis, poor access to care, and financial barriers as key issues. Therefore, removing financial barriers at the point of diagnosis would enable patients to start treatment immediately.

The CDA recommends every adult get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, regardless of risk factors. Those engaging in at-risk sexual behaviours should test every three to six months. With early treatment, HIV can be suppressed to undetectable levels, the CDA said, adding that people on sustained treatment carry no risk of transmitting the virus to their partners.

Since January 2025, HIV self-testing kits have been available at more than 100 sites nationwide, including selected retail pharmacies, making it easier to get tested in a private setting. More information about HIV and AIDS, including testing locations and self-testing kit availability, can be found at https://www.cda.gov.sg/public/diseases/hiv.