Disability Assessments for ElderShield Payouts

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1079
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 APRIL 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Don Wee
MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC

Question No. 1680

To ask the Minister for Health regarding disability assessments for ElderShield payouts (a) under what conditions will the need for an assessment be waived for a claimant; and (b) whether the frequency of such assessments for very severe cases can be reduced.

Written Answer

Our general policy is that ElderShield (ESH) claimants who have been assessed to be permanently severely disabled would not need to be re-assessed regularly, unless it is found that there has been a change in their condition.

With the transfer of ESH administration from private insurers to the Government in November 2021, we are performing a once-off disability status refresh. Once ESH claimants are assessed to be permanently severely disabled during this disability status refresh, they would not be required to go for regular re-assessment in the future.

In view of the healthcare manpower crunch caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry will extend the deadline for claimants to undergo their disability re-assessments by three months. Claimants will continue receiving payouts during this period.