CareShield Life: Singapore's national disability insurance will be launched on 1 October 2020

MediSave Care, which allows cash withdrawals from MediSave accounts for long-term care needs will also launch in October 2020
By Ang Hwee Min, Channel NewsAsia, 28 Aug 2020

Long-term care support schemes CareShield Life and MediSave Care will be launched on Oct 1, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Friday (Aug 28).

The CareShield Life and Long-term Care Bill was passed in September 2019, allowing for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later, including those with pre-existing disabilities, to be enrolled in compulsory long-term disability insurance.

The MediSave Care scheme allows for cash withdrawals from MediSave accounts for long-term care needs.

CareShield Life was originally scheduled to launch in mid-2020, but was delayed because agencies and vendors had to reduce the “pace of development and testing work” due to COVID-19 safe distancing measures and the “circuit breaker” period, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong had said in June.

Singapore residents aged 30 to 40 in 2020 - or those born between 1980 and 1990, inclusive - will be the first cohorts to join the scheme from Oct 1 or their 30th birthday, whichever is later.

These individuals will receive a CareShield Life welcome package by Sep 2, or up to two months before their 30th birthday.

Subsequent cohorts, or those born after 1990, will automatically join the scheme when they turn 30, and will also receive a CareShield Life welcome package before they turn 30.

Those who are enrolled between 2020 and 2024 will receive up to S$250 in transitional subsidies, said the Health Ministry in a press release on Friday.

The scheme is optional for Singapore residents born in 1979 or earlier. Details on when these cohorts can join CareShield Life will be released in 2021, said MOH.

They will have the opportunity to join CareShield Life, with the option to switch from ElderShield towards the end of 2021. The launch of the scheme for existing cohorts was originally planned for mid-2021.

At S$600 per month in 2020, starting CareShield Life payouts for Singaporeans with severe disability will be higher than under the existing ElderShield Scheme, and will increase annually until age 67, or when a successful claim is made, said the Health Ministry.

While ElderShield pays out S$300 or S$400 per month for up to six years, CareShield Life’s higher payout lasts potentially for life, and as long as the person remains severely disabled.

Singapore residents can use MediSave to pay for their own CareShield Life premiums and for approved dependents, said MOH.

“No one will lose coverage because of an inability to pay their premiums,” said the ministry, adding that the Government will provide support measures to ensure that premiums remain affordable.

Up to two-thirds of households will be eligible for CareShield Life premium subsidies of up to 30 per cent, with permanent means-tested subsidies for lower- to middle-income Singapore residents, it added.

“Singapore citizens in financial need who are unable to pay for their premiums even after the premium subsidies can apply for additional premium support from the Government.”



MEDISAVE CARE

Under MediSave Care, which also launches from Oct 1, Singapore residents aged 30 and above can tap on their own and their spouse’s MediSave accounts to withdraw cash of up to S$200 per month for long-term care needs, or a total of S$2,400 per year.

The amount that can be withdrawn is dependent on the MediSave account balance. A minimum of S$5,000 has to be set aside in the MediSave account “to ensure sufficient savings for other medical expenses such as hospitalisation and selected costly outpatient treatments”, said MOH.

Individuals whose MediSave account balances are insufficient can tap on their spouse’s MediSave account to supplement the withdrawal, up to a combined total of S$200 per month.

“As our population ages, we want to ensure that Singaporeans continue to have accessible and affordable long-term care. With CareShield Life, severely disabled Singaporeans can be assured that they will receive financial support for life,” said Mr Gan in Friday’s press release.

“They will also have another avenue to fund their long-term care needs, by tapping on their MediSave savings under MediSave Care," he added.

"Together with ElderFund, which provides discretionary government assistance to lower-income, severely disabled Singapore citizens, these schemes will collectively enhance support for long-term care costs.”



Claim applications for both schemes will be open from Oct 1, and interested applicants should arrange for a disability assessment by an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor and submit the scheme application to the Agency for Integrated Care.

Merdeka Generation Package unveiled at Singapore Budget 2019; benefits to be available from 1 July 2019

Merdeka Generation Package: What you need to know

By Nicole Chang, Channel NewsAsia, 18 Feb 2019

Healthcare subsidies, money for healthy activities and public transport – these are some of the benefits eligible older Singaporeans can look forward to as part of the Merdeka Generation Package.

First announced during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally last year, the package is meant to express appreciation for the Merdeka Generation and help them with healthcare costs as well as to keep active and healthy.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Monday (Feb 18) shared more details about this in his Budget 2019 speech.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE?

The package will benefit close to 500,000 Singaporeans. These include:

- Those born in the 1950s

- Those born in 1949 or earlier but who missed out on the Pioneer Generation Package

All beneficiaries must have obtained their citizenship by 1996.





HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The package is estimated to cost more than S$8 billion – in current dollars - over recipients’ lifetimes. A total of S$6.1 billion will be set aside for a new Merdeka Generation Fund. With interest accumulated over time, this will cover the full projected costs of the package, said the Finance Minister in his speech.





WHEN WILL THIS BE ROLLED OUT?

All eligible seniors will be notified by April 2019, and will receive their Merdeka Generation cards from June this year. A more detailed timeline and further information will be provided at the Committee of Supply Budget debate.

Here’s what’s on offer:

1. S$100 TOP-UP TO PASSION SILVER CARDS

Seniors will get a one-time S$100 top-up to their PAssion Silver cards. This can be used to pay for activities and facilities at community clubs, entry to public swimming pools and public transport, among other things.

2. MEDISAVE TOP-UPS

Starting this year, Merdeka Generation seniors will get a MediSave top-up of S$200 every year for five years until 2023, to help them save more for healthcare needs.

3. ADDITIONAL OUTPATIENT CARE SUBSIDIES, FOR LIFE

Special Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies will be available for package recipients, geared towards common illnesses, chronic conditions and dental procedures. All Merdeka Generation seniors will receive these regardless of income, including those without a CHAS card at the moment.

They will also get an additional 25 per cent off subsidised bills at polyclinics and public specialist outpatient clinics.

4. ADDITIONAL MEDISHIELD LIFE PREMIUM SUBSIDIES

Also for life.

These subsidies will start from 5 per cent of MediShield Life premiums and increase to 10 per cent after seniors hit the age of 75.

This translates to a discount of between S$31.50 and S$918, depending on the premium amount.

5. ANOTHER “PARTICIPATION INCENTIVE” TO JOIN CARESHIELD LIFE

Seniors who join CareShield Life will get an extra S$1,500 (when the scheme becomes available for existing cohorts in 2021).

This is on top of a previously announced S$2,500 sum, meaning that all Merdeka Generation seniors who join the scheme will end up getting S$4,000 of participation incentives.

Budget 2019: Building A Strong, United Singapore

Singapore Budget 2019

$6.1 billion for Merdeka Generation package includes Medisave top-ups, higher CHAS subsidies

$1.1 billion Bicentennial Bonus for Singaporeans, including GST Voucher cash payouts, 50% income tax rebate up to $200

$5.1 billion to fund measures such as ElderFund and CareShield Life subsidies; CHAS subsidies to be extended

Child entering Primary 1 in 2018 to receive over $130,000 in education subsidies by end of secondary school

$4.6 billion over three years to help firms and workers build capabilities to stay relevant

Higher payouts under Workfare, more support for older workers

Lower foreign worker quota in services sector; continued support for unemployed PMETs



Tax system to be made more progressive and resilient

Smaller duty-free alcohol allowance and GST relief for overseas shopping from 19 February 2019

Excise duty on diesel fuel increased from S$0.10 to S$0.20 per litre from 18 February 2019

30 per cent of total spending set aside for defence, security and diplomacy efforts

$6.1 billion Merdeka Generation Package unveiled
By Royston Sim, Deputy News Editor, Politics, The Straits Times, 19 Feb 2019

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat yesterday delivered a generous but targeted Budget aimed at helping Singaporeans with healthcare costs and other expenses, and giving businesses and workers support to thrive in a changing global environment.

He unveiled a $6.1 billion fund that will subsidise healthcare for Singaporeans born in the 1950s, with extra subsidies for outpatient care and MediShield Life premiums, as well as Medisave top-ups for five years.

Called the Merdeka Generation Package, this will benefit nearly 500,000 Singaporeans in all, and is the second initiative of its kind after the $8 billion Pioneer Generation Package announced in 2014.



With Singapore commemorating its bicentenary this year, Mr Heng announced two initiatives to mark what he called a key turning point in Singapore's development - a $200 million community fund to match charity donations, and a $1.1 billion Bicentennial Bonus.

This special bonus includes GST vouchers of up to $300 in cash that will benefit 1.4 million Singaporeans, and a personal income tax rebate of 50 per cent, capped at $200.

These measures are part of Singapore's efforts to forge a caring and inclusive society, said Mr Heng, who presented his first Budget since being named as the designated successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong late last year.



Noting that support for globalisation was on the wane worldwide, Mr Heng also flagged longer-term domestic challenges such as ageing, social mobility, economic transformation and climate change.

Singapore should build on its strengths, he said, pointing to the country's multicultural society and openness to diversity.

Mr Heng also devoted part of his two-hour speech to the importance of keeping Singapore safe and secure. "We cannot take our peace, prosperity and stability for granted," he said.

That is why the Government will continue to invest a significant share of its resources - about 30 per cent of total expenditure this year - to support defence, security and diplomacy efforts, he added.

"This spending is significant, but indispensable," he said, adding that even more would be spent if needed to safeguard Singapore.

Turning to the economy, Mr Heng said efforts to transform it are bearing fruit, with economic growth of 3.2 per cent last year.

All 23 Industry Transformation Maps, which cover about 80 per cent of the economy, have been launched, he said, noting that productivity has grown by 3.6 per cent a year for the past three years.

But with global growth expected to moderate this year in an increasingly uncertain climate, he outlined measures to help companies and workers build deep capabilities so that they can stay relevant amid a wave of disruption.

The Government will spend $4.6 billion on this front over the next three years - $3.6 billion to help workers and $1 billion to strengthen companies.

Among the initiatives are a $100 million fund to help small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) scale up, as well as more aid for them to go digital, and new programmes to help workers pick up skills in areas like prefabrication.

But Mr Heng also flagged uneven productivity growth across sectors, with the service sector seeing a 3 per cent growth in S Pass and work permit holders per year, or 34,000 in the last three years.

Calling this trend unsustainable, he said: "Our workforce growth is tapering, and if we do not use this narrow window to double down on restructuring, our companies will find it even harder in the future."

To that end, foreign worker quotas for the service sector will be tightened in two phases from next year, especially for S Pass holders.

Mr Heng also outlined several targeted steps to help Singaporeans who are less well off.

The monthly income ceiling for the Workfare Income Supplement will be raised from $2,000 to $2,300 by next January. The maximum payout each year will also be increased by up to $400.

These improvements will cost an additional $206 million a year, and benefit nearly 440,000 Singaporeans in total, said Mr Heng.

With healthcare needs growing, he said a scheme that subsidises primary care and basic dental care for lower-to middle-income families will be improved and extended to cover all Singaporeans for chronic conditions.

A $5.1 billion fund has also been set up to fund long-term care support measures such as ElderFund and CareShield Life subsidies.

Despite these spending initiatives, Mr Heng also stressed the need to maintain fiscal discipline.

Recurrent revenues must meet recurrent spending in areas such as healthcare and defence, he said.

"Many countries have taken the easier route by funding these recurrent expenditures through borrowing. We must not do this, as such borrowing shifts the burden of paying for today's needs onto future generations. That is not the Singapore way," he said.

The tax system must hence be continually reviewed, he said, announcing that returning travellers will have a smaller allowance on tax-exempt overseas shopping and duty-free alcohol.

Overall, the Budget remains expansionary, with ministries expected to spend $80.3 billion - 1.6 per cent higher than the year before. An overall deficit of $3.5 billion is projected, which Mr Heng said will be funded by previous surpluses.

Singapore Business Federation chairman Teo Siong Seng said the Budget is a "well-balanced and progressive" one that encourages companies to continue to transform and prepare for the future.

Parliament will sit from next Tuesday to March 8, and MPs will debate the Budget as well as spending plans of the various ministries.

CareShield Life Premium Calculator: Ministry of Health launches online tool to calculate premiums for disability insurance scheme to be launched in 2020; Government to run ElderShield scheme from 2021

Online calculator to work out premiums for CareShield Life
It tells Singapore residents how much they have to pay before and after subsidies, incentives
By Felicia Choo, The Straits Times, 28 Dec 2018

A new online calculator was launched yesterday to help people work out how much they will have to pay when disability insurance scheme CareShield Life is launched in 2020.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said the gadget will provide Singapore residents with information about their estimated premiums before and after applicable subsidies and incentives.

Users will need to answer questions about their date of birth, gender, current ElderShield coverage as well as their income, housing type and citizenship status.



CareShield Life will replace ElderShield for younger residents, and it will be compulsory for people aged 30 to 40 to pay premiums from 2020.

Future cohorts will join CareShield Life at the age of 30, while those born in 1979 or earlier can choose to join CareShield Life in 2021 if they are not severely disabled.

Singaporeans who are currently insured on ElderShield - which is optional and provides payouts for a limited amount of time - can choose to upgrade to CareShield Life.

The premiums they have paid for ElderShield will be taken into account when calculating their CareShield Life premiums.

The calculator can be used by Singaporeans and permanent residents born between 1946 and 1990.

Singapore residents born in 1991 or later will be provided with their premium figures when they are enrolled in the CareShield Life scheme at age 30.

Those born before 1946 can call the Healthcare Hotline on 1800-222-3399 for more details about their estimated premiums, subsidies and incentives.

This group will have to pay higher annual CareShield Life premiums as they have fewer years over which to spread the payments, MOH said.

Meanwhile, those on other ElderShield policy arrangements will be able to find out more about their estimated premiums closer to 2021, when they are able to join the scheme.

This group includes people who opted out of ElderShield at age 40 but subsequently rejoined the scheme, those born between 1956 and 1967 who opted for a single-premium payment term for ElderShield, and those who have a paid-up policy.

CareShield Life premiums can be paid using Medisave, and subsidies and incentives will be provided.

Lower-to middle-income Singapore residents will receive means-tested subsidies. Up to two-thirds of Singapore resident households will be eligible for CareShield Life subsidies of up to 30 per cent.

Singaporeans in future cohorts (born in 1980 or later) will receive transitional subsidies of up to $250, spread over the first five years from 2020 to 2024.

Singaporeans in existing cohorts (born in 1979 or earlier) will receive participation incentives of up to $2,500, spread over the first 10 years of their policy, if they join CareShield Life in the first two years from 2021.

Singaporeans who are unable to pay for their premiums after subsidies can apply for additional premium support from the Government.

MOH said: "No Singaporean who joins CareShield Life will lose coverage due to an inability to pay their premiums."

Number of elderly suicides hits record high in 2017 as Singapore population ages; Consider legalising euthanasia

129 seniors took their own lives last year, even as figures dropped for other age groups
By Rahimah Rashith, The Straits Times, 30 July 2018

The number of seniors taking their own lives hit a record high last year even as the total number of suicides dipped - raising concerns among counsellors that seniors may not be getting access to the support they need.

According to a breakdown of government statistics provided by suicide prevention agency Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), 129 people aged 60 and above committed suicide last year - the highest number recorded for this age group since suicide numbers began to be tracked in 1991.

The suicide figures for every other age group fell and the total of 361 suicides reported last year was 15.8 per cent lower than the 429 in 2016.

That meant that the proportion of suicides committed by those aged 60 and above - typically somewhere between 25 and 30 per cent each year - hit 35.7 per cent last year.



"It is very worrying that many of the elderly are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles, when they should be enjoying the lustre of their golden years," said Ms Christine Wong, executive director of SOS.

"With the elderly population in Singapore increasing steadily, suicides in this population may be expected to continue rising."

Another cause for concern: usage patterns of SOS' 24-hour hotline showed that calls made by seniors dropped by 18 per cent - from 6,904 calls in 2016 to 5,652 calls last year.

Said Ms Wong: "We need to find out the barriers that prevent them from getting through to SOS, and if they know where and what are the other available help resources."

What care and subsidies are available for seniors in Singapore?

By Salma Khalik, Senior Health Correspondent, The Straits Times, 7 Jul 2018

NURSING HOME

The number of nursing home beds has gone up from 9,600 in 2011 to 14,900 last year. More are in the works and there should be 17,000 beds by 2020.

Apart from having more beds, newer nursing homes are designed to be more soothing. Ren Ci's home at Ang Mo Kio, for example, places four people to a room, with shared living and dining areas.

Some high-rise homes have mini gardens or mid-level greenery so residents do not need to leave the homes to enjoy nature.


CARE CLOSE TO HOME (C2H)

Seniors in rental flats in 15 precincts can be cared for while continuing to live in their own homes. People from nearby Senior Activity Centres provide help for daily activities such as bathing and housekeeping, while monitoring the seniors' medical conditions.


HOSPITAL TO HOME (H2H)

Frail patients who have been discharged from hospital are provided with multi-disciplinary care for a short period. This includes caregiver training so family members or helpers know the best way to aid the senior.

Run by the three regional health systems under which all public hospitals are clustered, they also provide phone support as well as medicine reconciliation if the senior is being attended to by different doctors who might prescribe different, and possibly conflicting, medicines. So far, more than 14,000 patients have used this service.


PALLIATIVE CARE

This provides care for people who are dying and in pain, and is especially helpful for terminally-ill patients. The aim is to improve their quality of life.


HOME PALLIATIVE CARE

For patients in the last stages of life, home palliative care supports them till the end of their lives in their own home, instead of in a centre, while offering medical, nursing and psychosocial care.

The number of patients who can receive such care at home has gone up from 3,800 a year in 2011 to 5,900 a year last year. Most charity organisations do not charge for this service. For providers that do charge, the fees are around $1,000 a month. Those who qualify can get subsidies of about $800 a month.





DAY CARE

When caregivers have to work, they worry about leaving the elderly alone at home. Some may even have to give up working to care for the senior.

Day care services give them peace of mind as the senior can be cared for and given proper meals, while still living at home. The centres also give the senior a chance to socialise and engage in activities such as exercise, handicraft and karaoke.

There were 5,000 day care places last year, with at least another 1,200 to be added by 2020. The plan is for 90 per cent of seniors to have such a centre within 1km of their home.


DEMENTIA CARE

These centres try to slow down the progression of dementia by providing cognitive stimulation. They provide activities that try to preserve physical and mental functions. Patients live at home and are taken to the centres daily.

Government to strengthen long-term care financing for all Singaporeans through CareShield Life, MediSave cash withdrawals and new ElderFund assistance scheme for the lower-income who are severely disabled

Severely disabled can withdraw up to S$200 a month from Medisave from 2020
By Salma Khalik, Senior Health Correspondent, The Straits Times, 4 Jul 2018

People who are severely disabled will be allowed to dip into their Medisave accounts for cash from 2020 - provided they or their spouse have at least $5,000 in their accounts.

This is the first time members can withdraw cash from Medisave since it was set up in 1984 as part of Central Provident Fund contributions to defray hospital bills.

The bigger the sum in their accounts, the more the members will be able to withdraw. Those with $5,000 in their Medisave accounts - a floor that covers three in four people aged 65 years and older - will be able to take out $50 a month.

On the other hand, those with $20,000 or more in their Medisave accounts will be allowed to withdraw $200 a month. This covers about half the people aged 65 or older, who are more likely to suffer from severe disabilities.

Separately, a fund is being set up to help needy disabled people.

Explaining the rationale to allow cash withdrawals from Medisave, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said: "When a Singaporean is facing severe disability and, at the same time, facing financial difficulties, I feel that we can afford to be more flexible."

He said this change will not result in higher Medisave contributions. Those deemed severely disabled will be able to dip into their accounts from the age of 30.

Potentially half the population would be able to draw on this facility in their lifetime.

Mr Gan also revealed that a new safety net called ElderFund will provide needy disabled people up to $250 a month from 2020.



In the same year, a long-term disability insurance called CareShield Life will kick in and be made compulsory for people aged 40 years and younger. It will pay those who are severely disabled at least $600 a month for life.

Another two million people, aged 41 years and older when CareShield Life is launched in 2020, will be encouraged to join the scheme that is optional for them.

These Singaporeans will be offered a $500 to $2,500 incentive to offset their premiums over 10 years.

If they join the scheme within two years, those with chronic ailments and mild or moderate disabilities will be allowed into the fold despite their health conditions. There will be stricter underwriting for those who join later.

Asked if this is fair to healthy people joining the scheme as it could potentially push up premiums, Mr Gan said that "the Government will do its part", and details will be announced later.

ElderShield to be replaced by CareShield Life with higher, lifetime payouts from 2020; Parliamentary Debate on ElderShield Review Committee Report, 10 July 2018

New compulsory CareShield Life replaces optional ElderShield in 2020, will offer wider coverage for severely disabled
Scheme to be run by Government instead of private insurers will include everyone from age 30
By Salma Khalik, Senior Health Correspondent, The Straits Times, 28 May 2018

Another piece of the jigsaw to prepare Singapore for its ageing population, a national long-term care insurance to provide financial aid to those afflicted with severe disability, will be launched in 2020.

Called CareShield Life, the government-run scheme will be compulsory, automatically getting everyone who will be between the ages of 30 and 40 in 2020 to start paying premiums. Future cohorts will join at the age of 30.

For them, the scheme replaces the optional ElderShield, offered by private insurers. CareShield's scope of coverage is also wider.

Premiums start at $206 a year for men and $253 a year for women at the age of 30. They will make 38 payments until the age of 67.

Should disability strike and a policyholder require care, he will receive a payout of at least $600 a month, for as long as care is needed.

In contrast, the ElderShield scheme pays $400 a month for up to six years, but with lower premiums paid over a shorter period.

People above 40 in 2020 have the option of sticking with ElderShield or switching to the new scheme in 2021 by topping up their premiums.



Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that over the past three years, the Government "has been preparing Singaporeans for an ageing population", including providing more nursing home and day-care facilities, the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life.

This review "is another important step in this journey", he said.

"It is an important strategy for us, an important part of our social safety network for Singaporeans in terms of long-term care. It also reflects the inclusive society that we aspire to build."



To ensure premiums are affordable no matter the family's income, Medisave can be used to fully pay for it. There will be permanent premium subsidies of 20 per cent to 30 per cent for people who qualify, and additional support for those who still cannot afford the premiums.

People who are disabled at the age of 30 years will make one premium payment to join, and can start collecting payouts immediately.

ElderShield review committee proposes severe disability insurance scheme be made compulsory with coverage starting from age 30 instead of 40

* ElderShield to be renamed CareShield Life with higher, lifetime payouts from 2020 -27 May 2018

Review Panel wants to expand ElderShield coverage in interim recommendations
It proposes making scheme compulsory for future cohorts and starting premiums earlier
By Linette Lai, Health Correspondent, The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2018

ElderShield coverage should be made compulsory for all - including those with pre-existing disabilities - according to the committee reviewing the insurance scheme for people with severe disabilities.

It recommended that people start paying premiums at the age of 30 rather than 40, and suggested that the Government, rather than private insurance providers, administer the scheme. It also called for the claims process to be simplified.

The committee gave its interim update yesterday, with the full set of recommendations expected to follow by the middle of this year.

If accepted, its proposals will apply only to Singaporeans aged 30 to 40 who are joining ElderShield for the first time. People who have previously opted out will not be made to go back on the scheme.

"We want ElderShield to be a social safety net, and we all have a collective responsibility to take care of those with disabilities," said Mr Chaly Mah, who chairs the ElderShield Review Committee.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Senior Minister of State for Health Chee Hong Tat said an enhanced ElderShield scheme would enable Singaporeans to "pool our risks and resources in preparation for old age".

"It is an important pillar of Singapore's social safety net as our society ages," he said. "The Government will look at providing premium subsidies to keep the premiums affordable for lower-and middle-income Singaporeans."

Currently, all Singaporeans join the scheme automatically when they turn 40, and are covered by one of three private insurers - Aviva, Great Eastern or NTUC Income - but they are able to opt out.

Although the opt-out rate in recent years has been about 5 per cent, more than a third of people opted out when the scheme started in 2002.

Money is paid out when people cannot perform three of the six "activities of daily living" on their own. These are washing, dressing, using the toilet, feeding oneself, moving around indoors and getting from the bed to a chair or vice versa.

Mr Mah, who is also the chairman of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Accountancy Commission, said: "It is clear to us that the average Singaporean does not understand the risk of severe disability... When you underestimate this risk, it is easy to take the decision to opt out."

Investing in the ‘little things’ for the benefit of Singaporeans

By Sheila Pakir, Published TODAY, 21 Dec 2016

We were at a jewellery store picking out a Mother’s Day present, and my sister had just told the shopkeeper that I worked at the Pioneer Generation Office (PGO).

“Our Government is so terrible to the elderly, you know,” the shopkeeper exclaimed.

“I must tell you what happened to my husband. All his life he was paying for this ElderShield, then he turns 65 and they send him a letter saying no more coverage.

“How can they do that, right? His whole life, paying and paying, and he never even claimed once.”

This sounded odd. I knew that ElderShield was a Government disability insurance scheme, and it did not make sense for coverage to cease just as a person entered a more disability-prone age bracket. I quietly made a quick Google search on my phone as the shopkeeper continued talking. I glanced through the first result and found a moment to interject.

“I just went to the MOH website … Are you sure the letter said they were ending coverage?” I asked.

She nodded emphatically. “I saw it myself,” she said. I replied: “It’s just that it says here that at age 65, you stop paying premiums … But then your coverage continues for life.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “What?”

“Yes,” I continued, “See, it says so here. Don’t worry. It looks like your husband is covered. They just front-loaded the premiums so he only pays while he’s working, not when he’s retired.” By the end of the visit, we had bought a pair of earrings and the shopkeeper could not wait to get home to tell her husband the good news about his insurance.



To me, the next big thing for Singapore might, paradoxically, be a shift in focus from big things to little things. We do big things well: In policy alone, recent years have seen the rollout of many exciting national-level schemes. Where we now need to spend more energy on are the myriad little things that can make or break these plans.

One key little thing is to ensure that citizens understand the big moves, and know how to access the benefits they offer.

ElderShield scheme to be reviewed and your feedback is wanted

Wanted: Public feedback on how to improve ElderShield
The Straits Times, 20 Dec 2016

Peg ElderShield payouts to inflation or review it every three years to ensure the payouts keep pace with rising costs.

And make the payouts last until the end of the beneficiary's life instead of the current maximum of six years.

That was one idea mooted in March this year.

Suggestions like these are what the ElderShield Review Committee wants as it reviews the disability insurance scheme.

To get public feedback, the committee will be hosting a series of public consultation sessions from January to June next year to find out how people think the scheme can be improved.

The review committee is looking for opinions on the appropriate level of ElderShield coverage and benefits, as well as input on how premiums can be kept affordable even if benefits go up.

The 14-member committee will also look at how to make it easier to sign up for ElderShield and make claims.



ElderShield is an insurance scheme for those who have severe disabilities - that is, people who cannot carry out daily activities such as eating, dressing or taking a bath on their own.

Currently, the scheme provides payouts of up to $400 a month for up to six years. It covered 1.2 million people aged 40 to 83 as of the end of last year.