Debated in Parliament on 4 May 2020.
Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Health (a) for the past three years, what has been the quantum of grants disbursed under the Seniors Mobility Fund; and (b) whether the Ministry will allow eligible seniors to re-apply for replacement of mobility devices after a number of years as these items are subject to wear and tear.
The Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors to age in place, by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of assistive devices and home healthcare items.
Between 2017 and 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) disbursed $89 million in SMF subsidies.
SMF subsidies are meant to support seniors with the purchase of their first device. Nonetheless, we recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances, where seniors may need to purchase a replacement device but have no financial means. In such cases, the Agency for Integrated Care will assess and approve applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the senior's circumstances.
PAPERCUTS