Debated in Parliament on 18 Sep 2023.
Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Health (a) what measures are in place to prompt the caregivers of persons with disabilities (PWDs) covered by CareShield Life and ElderShield to apply for activation of payouts upon diagnosis or upon qualifying based on age; and (b) what checks are in place to ensure that PWDs do not fall through the cracks in the implementation of the CareShield Life and ElderShield schemes.
The response will also cover the matters raised in the oral question by Mr Yip Hon Weng1 scheduled for a subsequent sitting.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) partners the Silver Generation Office to do extensive outreach to eligible seniors to apply for severe disability claims under CareShield Life and ElderShield. Our outreach also includes working with nursing homes, public healthcare institutions, home care providers and disability-focused social service agencies, which may more regularly interact with persons with disabilities and their caregivers. MOH also reaches out to eligible claimants under other severe disability schemes, such as MediSave Care.
On the suggestion of making automatic payout disbursements to individuals based on their health conditions, this may result in payouts going to some who do not satisfy the severe disability criterion for CareShield Life and ElderShield claims. Over time, it will cause premiums to rise for all and, hence, will be a matter to be considered carefully.
Another reason for individuals to fall through the cracks is that we have made joining CareShield Life optional for individuals born before 1980. This is unlike those born from 1980 who are universally included. Nevertheless, these individuals can still join CareShield Life as long as they do not have severe disability and there are participation incentives of up to $4,000 available if they join by 31 December 2023. MOH is also reaching out to them to explain the benefits of CareShield Life and encourage them to enrol onto CareShield Life. We hope community organisations will also support us in this effort.
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