Numbers in Merdeka Generation who Require Permanent Help with At Least Three Activities of Daily Living

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health (a) how many Merdeka Generation Singaporeans require permanent help with at least three of six Activities of Daily Living; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider a disability assistance scheme for the Merdeka Generation that is similar to that for Pioneer Generation Singaporeans.

We estimate that there are currently about 9,000 Merdeka Generation seniors who require permanent help with at least three out of six Activities of Daily Living.

MOH is rolling out CareShield Life, which is a long-term care insurance that provides peace of mind and protection against uncertainty of disability care in old age. CareShield Life will provide life time payouts in the event of severe disability.

The majority of Merdeka Generation seniors are still healthy and able-bodied today, and will be able to join CareShield Life from 2021. To encourage them to join CareShield Life, the Government will provide a $4,000 sign-on incentive under the Merdeka Generation Package. Lower to middle income policy holders will also be eligible for subsidies that help keep premiums affordable. Those who still face difficulty paying their premiums can apply for additional premium support.

For those who already require permanent help with at least three out of six Activities of Daily Living, and are hence ineligible to join CareShield Life, they can apply for financial help through the new government-funded ElderFund which will be introduced by MOH in 2020.

In addition to CareShield Life and ElderFund, MOH will also roll out a new Home Caregiving Grant later this year and MediSave withdrawals for long-term care next year. Together with subsidies of up to 80% for long-term care services, all these initiatives will make long-term care more affordable for Merdeka Generation seniors.