Social welfare — Topics

17 Aug 2015

Family Service Centres Helping Intellectually Disabled Find Jobs

Ms Lee Li Lian asked how Family Service Centres reach out to intellectually disabled individuals to help them find jobs and what the success rate is.
The Ministry set up SG Enable in 2013 as a focal point for persons with disabilities, providing employment support through job referrals, training, and placement services.
Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices refer individuals, including those with intellectual disabilities, to SG Enable for job matching and support.
In financial year 2014, SG Enable and its partners placed more than 100 persons with disabilities in jobs, with about one-third having intellectual disabilities.

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17 Aug 2015

Raising Quota under Married Child Priority Scheme for Mature Estates

Tin Pei Ling proposed increasing the quota under the Married Child Priority Scheme for mature estates to help young couples care for elderly parents living there.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that HDB already allocates 30% of flat supply in mature estates for first-time buyers under the scheme, with priority given to families living together or near each other.
He encouraged considering HDB resale flats near parents to access a higher $40,000 CPF Housing Grant and mentioned ongoing efforts to further support such arrangements.

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17 Aug 2015

Allowing Pioneer Generation Patients to Select Doctors at Specialist Outpatient Clinics

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked whether Pioneer Generation patients can select their own doctors at Specialist Outpatient Clinics in public hospitals.
The Minister responded that subsidised patients receive team-based care led by a senior doctor, and choosing a specific doctor requires paying private rates.
Pioneer Generation patients receiving subsidised care at these clinics get an additional 50% subsidy, but if they are private patients switching to subsidised care, they may not continue with their current doctor.

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17 Aug 2015

Revision of Fees Charged by Public Healthcare Groups

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Ministry of Health about the frequency, justification, and public communication of fee revisions by public healthcare groups over the past three years, as well as the Ministry's role in ensuring adequate public awareness.
MOH explained that public healthcare institutions periodically review and adjust fees based on operating costs to maintain quality care, with revisions timed differently across institutions and implemented after careful consideration to minimize patient impact.
To keep patients informed, institutions display revised fees on websites and at clinics, highlight changes during financial counselling, and advise patients of updates during visits or admissions soon after revisions.
MOH has enhanced subsidies for low- to middle-income families and Pioneers at specialist outpatient clinics and polyclinics, while also allowing patients with financial difficulties to seek assistance from medical social workers for MediFund support.

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17 Aug 2015

Annual Caps on Subsidies for Chronic Disease Management Programme

In 2014, about 10,000 patients (5% of subsidised patients) fully utilised the $400 annual MediSave cap for chronic disease treatment, up from 3% in 2012.
Less than 2% of CHAS members used up to their annual chronic subsidy cap ($320–$480) in 2014, similar to 2012–2013 levels.
The Ministry of Health has enhanced outpatient subsidies and introduced measures like Flexi-MediSave to help reduce the need for patients to exhaust their limits, with regular reviews to ensure affordability.

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17 Aug 2015

Cap for Hospital Bills Based on Class of Ward

K Karthikeyan proposed capping hospital bills based on ward class rather than MediShield Life claim limits to control costs for patients.
Gan Kim Yong explained that hospital bills vary by condition and treatment, and existing measures like subsidies, MediShield, MediSave, and MediFund already ensure most subsidised ward bills are affordable.
The Ministry opposes caps as they may encourage wasteful healthcare consumption, shifting costs to taxpayers and premiums, and prefers using claim limits to manage costs while supporting patients through financial assistance schemes.

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17 Aug 2015

Silver Support Scheme Bill

The Silver Support Scheme was introduced as a permanent social security pillar to supplement the incomes of the bottom 20–30% of elderly Singaporeans aged 65 and above, providing quarterly cash supplements of $300 to $750, and the Bill establishes its legislative framework, including automatic eligibility assessment and administration by the CPF Board.
Eligibility is based on a combination of lifetime wages, household support, and housing type, with stringent safeguards for personal data access and an opt-out option, while enforcement measures penalize false information and protect the scheme from misuse.
The scheme will automatically assess and disburse cash directly to bank accounts or by cheque, with appeals considered for marginal cases, and although quarterly payouts are proposed, the government explained they are intended to supplement income rather than replace other support.

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17 Aug 2015

Subsidies for Dyslexic Students in Specialised Independent Schools

Hri Kumar Nair questioned why dyslexic students in Specialised Independent Schools are excluded from subsidies for the dyslexia remediation programme and asked for a policy review.
The Minister of State for Education stated that these schools offer customised curricula and that financial assistance is already provided, with plans to rationalise and extend subsidies to eligible students from January 2016.
The debate concluded with the Speaker ending Question Time and noting that any unanswered questions would be addressed in writing.

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17 Aug 2015

Tackling Abuse of the Elderly

The Minister outlined measures to support caregivers and strengthen the system for detecting and responding to elder abuse, including expanding eldercare services, training community partners, and introducing a new Vulnerable Adults Bill to empower public officers to intervene.
Discussions highlighted the importance of community involvement, with neighbours, friends, and healthcare workers acting as "eyes and ears" to report abuse, and the need for education and awareness to overcome barriers to recognizing and reporting elder abuse.
The Minister emphasized that while mandatory reporting by health professionals is under consideration, the focus remains on community-wide efforts and education, akin to the adage that it takes a village to care for the elderly.

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14 Jul 2015

Public Sector Employment for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

The Public Service employs about 150 persons with disabilities, representing 0.1% of its workforce as of December 2014, and assesses all candidates holistically through merit-based, open recruitment.
SG Enable, an agency under the Ministry of Social and Family Development, supports employment for persons with disabilities through job matching, job redesign, training, and workplace modification advice for both public and private sectors.
The public sector awards contracts to entities like Adrenalin and procures gifts from VWOs to promote employment for persons with disabilities, while also leading re-employment for mature officers, with 1,887 officers aged 65 and above as of 2015.

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14 Jul 2015

Extending Subsidies to Families of Children with Dyslexia

Dr Chia Shi-Lu proposed extending subsidies under the MOE-Aided Dyslexia Association of Singapore Literacy Programme to children with dyslexia attending special education schools to alleviate family financial burdens.
Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that the literacy programme is specifically designed for mainstream school students without other special educational needs, with subsidies currently limited to this group.
Special education schools already provide customised literacy support programmes, such as the Direct Instruction Reading and Oral Language Programme and Pathlight School’s Literacy Remediation Programme, which are funded by the government and offered at no additional cost to parents.
The Ministry of Education will continue to collaborate with special education schools to support students requiring tailored literacy assistance.

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14 Jul 2015

Helping Self-employed Persons to Buy Homes

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if self-employed persons could channel excess CPF contributions beyond the Medisave ceiling to their Ordinary Account for housing, or opt out of Medisave contributions if they have substantial medical insurance.
The Minister for Manpower explained that excess Medisave contributions are automatically transferred to the Special or Retirement Account for higher returns, and voluntary CPF contributions for housing are already allowed with tax relief.
The Minister clarified that Medisave is essential for covering healthcare expenses and family medical needs, so self-employed persons cannot opt out even with other insurance, as Medisave provides guaranteed lifelong coverage and broader family support.

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14 Jul 2015

Senior Group Homes Model for Elderly Singaporeans in Public Housing Estates

The Senior Group Homes model, launched in 2012, provides shared flats in rental blocks for frail seniors, offering coordinated care services and mutual support, with 14 homes planned to accommodate 250 seniors.
The Minister noted that the government is exploring ways to extend this model beyond rental flats and to younger persons with special needs, emphasizing a needs-based approach rather than age-based criteria.
Ongoing reviews will assess the model’s scalability and potential integration into mainstream housing, while alternative support systems for persons with disabilities are also being considered.

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14 Jul 2015

Benefits of Smart Nation Project for Persons with Disabilities

The Smart Nation project aims to benefit persons with disabilities through technology initiatives like enhanced subsidies for assistive devices, funding for special education schools, and grants for innovative projects to improve daily living and independence.
Government and partners are building capabilities within the social service sector, including training for professionals and setting up centers to provide assessments, loans, and IT training to bridge the digital divide for persons with disabilities.
There is a call for a more integrated, whole-of-government approach with a clear roadmap and timeline to ensure persons with disabilities are included in Smart Nation planning, with upstream involvement in design and feedback mechanisms to address accessibility issues.

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13 Jul 2015

Removing Income Eligibility Criteria for Married Couples to Purchase HDB Resale Flats near Parents

Pritam Singh proposed removing the income eligibility criteria for married couples purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents to allow more access to the CPF Housing Grant.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the current income ceiling of $10,000 for first-timer families ensures housing subsidies target those who need more help, with a higher $15,000 ceiling for extended families living together.
The Minister noted that flexibility is already exercised case-by-case for families exceeding the income limit but still needing subsidized housing.
While acknowledging that rising incomes are prompting a review of the income ceiling, Khaw Boon Wan emphasized that priority must always be given to those who need assistance most.

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13 Jul 2015

Increasing Annual Cap for Caregiver Training Grant

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked if the Ministry of Health would raise the annual cap for the Caregiver Training Grant.
The Ministry of Health said there are no plans to increase the cap, as the current $200 limit is adequate, with 80% of approved courses costing $200 or less.
Over the last four years, the average annual grant utilization was about $160 per caregiver, indicating the cap is sufficient.
The grant now benefits over 6,000 caregivers annually, and more than 26,000 caregivers have used it to date.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the grant's utilization and adequacy but has no immediate plans to change the cap.

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13 Jul 2015

Silver Support Scheme Bill

The Silver Support Scheme Bill aims to establish a new social security scheme to provide financial assistance to older Singaporeans, focusing on supporting low-income retirees.
The Minister for Manpower presented the bill, highlighting its purpose and outlining the procedural steps for its passage, including its first reading and scheduling for a second reading.
The debate underscores the government's commitment to enhancing retirement security through targeted support, with the bill printed and ready for further parliamentary consideration.

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13 Jul 2015

Statement of Account for Subsidies under Community Health Assist Scheme

Baey Yam Keng raised a concern about informing CHAS and Pioneer Generation cardholders of their subsidy usage and remaining balance to prevent fraudulent claims, noting that some members may find it difficult to access information online or via hotline.
The Minister of State for Health responded that patients can currently check subsidy balances via the CHAS website or hotline, and emphasized joint accountability among patients, clinics, and the ministry to prevent abuse, with ongoing improvements to information access and audits.
Mr Baey suggested providing yearly consolidated subsidy statements for easier tracking, while Dr Chia Shi-Lu proposed requiring clinics to include remaining balance information on itemized bills to enhance transparency.
The Minister of State acknowledged these suggestions and indicated that the ministry is considering mandatory itemized receipts and other measures to improve price transparency and accountability as part of a review of relevant regulations.

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11 May 2015

Review of Pricing Policy at Government and Restructured Hospital Pharmacies

Seah Kian Peng asked whether the pricing policy at Government and restructured hospital pharmacies will be reviewed to widen the price gap with retail pharmacies and make them more affordable.
The Ministry of Health explained that public hospitals procure drugs in bulk to achieve economies of scale, with savings reflected in lower pharmacy prices for patients.
Subsidised patients receive significant government subsidies on drugs listed under the Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund, including enhanced subsidies of 75% for lower- to middle-income patients since 2015.
Pioneers receive an additional 50% off their subsidised drugs, which has significantly lowered costs in public healthcare institutions and widened the price gap with private retail pharmacies.
The Ministry will continue to review policies to ensure healthcare affordability, and needy patients can apply to MediFund for further financial assistance.

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11 May 2015

Adequacy of Freelancers and Self-employed Individuals' CPF Savings

Ang Hin Kee proposed a government CPF top-up scheme for freelancers and self-employed individuals similar to the Temporary Employment Credit, and asked whether current CPF savings are adequate for their retirement and medical needs and what measures exist to encourage regular contributions.
Lim Swee Say responded that the Workfare Income Supplement already tops up MediSave accounts for low-income self-employed persons, and tax relief incentives exist for voluntary CPF contributions, while noting their median MediSave balances remain lower than employees'.
The CPF Board uses outreach, instalment options, and industry partnerships to encourage MediSave contributions, with recent increases in contribution rates and higher interest for older members to help meet healthcare needs.
The government provides substantial MediShield Life premium subsidies and additional support for those in financial need, but self-employed individuals are not required to contribute to retirement accounts and must take personal responsibility for retirement planning.

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