Update On Medishield Scheme For The Elderly

09 Dec 2000

With less than 4 weeks to go before the deadline of 31 Dec 2000, only about 14,700 or 46% of uninsured elderly, aged between 61 and 69, have submitted their applications to join MediShield or Medisave-approved insurance scheme. The Ministry of Health would therefore like to urge the remaining 17,300 eligible elderly to submit their applications to CPFB before 31 Dec 2000.

The MediShield Scheme for the Elderly (MSE) was first announced by Prime Minster at National Day Rally in August this year. Under the MSE, elderly Singaporeans aged 61 to 69 without MediShield or Medisave-approved insurance coverage will receive 2 years of basic MediShield premium rebate if they sign up for MediShield or Medisave-approved insurance plan before 31 December 2000. In addition, the medical report and/or medical examination which may be required for the underwriting process will also be paid for by the Government, with the applicant needing to make a small co-payment of $20. Applicants who fail to qualify for cover because of pre-existing medical conditions will receive the equivalent of the rebate in the form of a Medisave top-up.

In early September, CPFB sent out direct mailing packages to uninsured elderly Singaporeans. To improve the awareness level of MSE, CPFB launched about 250 radio advertisements and more than 10 press advertisements. Regular press releases were also issued to remind the elderly to sign up.

The MSE application forms are currently available at the Community Centres and Clubs. They can also be downloaded at the http://www.cpf.gov.sg. Elderly Singaporeans can also call CPFB at Tel:1800-327 1133 to request for the application forms to be sent to them. In addition, those who have problems filling up the application forms may wish to seek assistance at the various Community Centres and Clubs, Community Development Councils or CPFB Offices.