Many patients who are well enough to be discharged from hospitals would usually like to return to the comfort of their own homes. However, because of their medical conditions, some may be unable to do so as they may require further care and treatment at centres that provide intermediate and long-term care (ILTC).
ILTC refer to selected services such as:
The Singapore Government recognises that the bills for ILTC services can be higher because patients are admitted for longer periods of time. As such, the Government provides financial assistance in the form of subsidies to the needy patients who need these services. To ensure that the subsidy goes to those who need it, patients will need to be assessed for their eligibility for government subsidies.
Government subsidies are available only to patients who:
- Are Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents
- Meet the admission criteria of the ILTC services required
- Are admitted to MOH-funded institutions and services
The subsidy will go directly to the service providers who will use it to offset the bill for the ILTC fees and charges.
Government subsidies provided are based on the assessment of the patient’s total family income through a four-tier or nine-tier subsidy framework depending on the type of ILTC service required.
Subsidy Framework for Non-residential ILTC serivces
| Total Family Income (based on family of 4) | Subsidy Level for Singapore Citizens | Subsidy Level for Permanent Residents |
| ≤ $1,440 | 75% | 65% |
| $1,441 - $3,800 | 50% | 40% |
| $3,801 - $5,600 | 25% | 15% |
| >$5,600 | 0% | 0% |
Subsidy Frame for Residential ILTC Services
Total Family Income (based on family of 4 | Subsidy Level for Singapore Citizens | Subsidy Level for Permanent Residents |
| ≤ $1,440 | 75% | 65% |
| $1,441 - $2,200 | 70% | 60% |
| $2,201 - $3,000 | 60% | 50% |
| $3,001 - $3,800 | 50% | 40% |
| $3,801 - $4,600 | 40% | 30% |
| $4,601 - $5,200 | 30% | 20% |
| $5,201 - $5,400 | 20% | 10% |
| $5,401 - $5,600 | 10% | 0% |
| >$5,600 | 0% | 0% |
For all residential ILTC services such as community hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, chronic sick facilities and psychiatric homes the subsidy framework has been enhanced to a nine-tier subsidy framework to help patients cope with the relatively large bills.
For more information on the enhanced subsidy framework, please refer to our FAQs.
Patients will need to be assessed for their eligibility for government subsidies. The assessment takes into consideration:
- gross income of the patient, his/her spouse and the immediate family members
- number of family members and dependants; and
- ownership of private property
Medical social workers or administrative staff of the hospitals or the ILTC providers will assist patients with their application for Government subsidies.