Debated in Parliament on 2 Nov 2020.
Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the average waiting time for approval of subsidies under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling fund for hearing aids from time of application; (b) how much do hearing aids typically cost without subsidies; and (c) as Singaporeans live longer lives, whether there are plans to extend the subsidy beyond the first device.
The Seniors’ Mobility & Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors as they age by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above with means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of home healthcare items and assistive devices.
SMF applications are processed immediately. Once an application is submitted with all the required information, the application would typically be approved within a day if the applicant meets all the eligibility criteria.
A standard hearing aid costs around $3,000 to $3,200 before subsidies.
Currently, SMF subsidies support seniors with the purchase of their first device only. Nonetheless, we recognise that there may be circumstances where seniors may need a replacement device. In such cases, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will approve a replacement on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the senior’s circumstances.
My Ministry will continue to review the SMF parameters, in view of the changing and growing needs of our seniors.
PAPERCUTS