Removal of Maximum Annual Subsidy Cap under Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund to Support Low-Income Patients

In Bukit Batok, some families face issues in purchasing consumables such as adult milk feeds and adult diapers for their severely ill family members. We have helped these families through community programmes. I took the opportunity to ask the Minister for Health whether the Government could consider removing the minimum age criterion to tap into the Senior Mobility and Enabling Fund set up to provide financial help to purchase consumables. My question and his answer may be seen below.

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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will review the maximum annual subsidy cap under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) set up in 2013 to support patients from low-income backgrounds who need access to consumables such as adult milk feed and adult diapers; and (b) whether the minimum age criterion of 60 years old for patients to tap on SMF may be removed.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides means-tested subsidies for consumables and assistive devices to help frail seniors. It now also covers replacement and customised devices.

SMF provides two tiers of subsidies capped at $1,200 and $2,000 per year for consumables. Over the past three years, more than 80% of clients have not fully utilised their subsidy caps. The average utilisation is below the mid point of the subsidy cap. MOH will continue monitoring utilisation trends to ensure seniors’ needs are met.

In addition, individuals can also apply for other financial support schemes, such as the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), which provides monthly cash payouts for eligible individuals. Severely disabled Singaporeans may also be supported by schemes such as CareShield Life or ElderShield, and MediSave Care.