If an agent converts premium he collects for his personal use the agent can be charged with

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1. What is CareShield Life?

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance which provides financial protection against long-term care costs of Singaporeans in the event of severe disability. CareShield Life will provide you with better protection and assurance for basic long-term care needs with:

1. Lifetime cash payouts, for as long as the insured remain severely disabled;

2. Increasing monthly payouts, starting at $600/month in 2020 and increases annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier; 

3. Government subsidies to make it affordable, with no one losing coverage if they cannot pay premiums;

4. Premiums can be fully paid by MediSave.

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later, you will be automatically covered on 1 October 2020 or when you turn 30, even if you have any pre-existing conditions or are severely disabled.

2. Is CareShield Life mandatory?

CareShield Life will be universal and mandatory for you if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later. This will ensure that all Singaporeans, including those who are more vulnerable such as the lower-income group and those with pre-existing severe disabilities, have basic protection for long-term care needs. 

A universal scheme allows those with pre-existing disabilities, who will otherwise not be able to enjoy coverage, to be included. If the scheme is optional, vulnerable groups like the low-income may also drop out of the scheme because of an inability to pay. Some low-income insureds do have their ElderShield policies lapse as the years pass as they are not able to make their premium payments.

Including these groups strengthens our social compact and is consistent with our values as an inclusive and caring society. Many Singaporeans who were engaged in earlier focus groups discussions recognised its merit and supported this approach.

Under CareShield Life, the Government will support Singaporeans who are unable to afford their premiums, so that no one will lose their coverage due to financial difficulties. 

Please note that if you are a foreigner who become a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident from 1 October 2020 onwards, is born in 1979 or earlier and is not severely disabled, CareShield Life will be mandatory for you.

3. Why is there a need to start CareShield Life earlier at age 30?

Starting CareShield Life at age 30 allows a longer period for premiums payment to be spread over. A longer duration of premium payment allows insureds to spread premium payment over more years, so as to reduce annual premiums payable. Consequently, insureds will benefit from additional years of coverage starting from age 30.

By the age of 30, most Singaporeans would have started working and many would have worked for a few years. It is also a good time to start planning for their long-term care needs. They would have started contributing to their MediSave, and should be able to cover their CareShield Life premiums without out-of-pocket expenses.

4. I am born in 1980 or later. What do I need to do to be covered by CareShield Life?

If you are born in 1980 or later, you will be automatically covered under CareShield Life on 1 October 2020, or when you turn 30, whichever is later.

If you are born between 1980 and 1990 (i.e. aged 30 to 40 in 2020), you would have received a CareShield Life welcome package informing you of your CareShield Life cover, by 2 September 2020 or up to two months before your 30th birthday, whichever is later.

If you are born after 1990 (i.e. aged below 30 in 2020), you will receive a CareShield Life Welcome Package before you reach age 30.

6. Why are Singaporeans not covered by CareShield Life from birth?

The priority of CareShield Life is to provide protection against severe disability during old age, when Singaporeans are most likely to need long-term care.

The starting age has been lowered from 40 to 30 to allow a longer period for premiums to be paid, compared to the current ElderShield scheme in which insureds typically pay premiums from age 40 until age 65. A longer duration of premium payment allows insureds to spread premium payment over more years, so as to reduce annual premiums payable.

There are various support schemes for families who need support for their severely disabled loved ones who are younger than the starting age (of 30) for CareShield Life, e.g. subsidies for early intervention programmes under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and subsidies for therapy services at KK Hospital and the National University Hospital.

Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund or ComCare can provide further assistance to Singaporeans who are unable to pay for their care even after Government subsidies and other means of support.

8. I am born in 1980 or later, and I have pre-existing severe disabilities or medical conditions. Do I need to pay additional CareShield Life premiums?

All Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1980 or later, including those with pre-existing severe disabilities, will be able to enjoy benefits under CareShield Life, regardless of your ability to pay premiums. As such, you will not have to pay additional CareShield Life premiums.

As part of collective responsibility, those with pre-existing severe disabilities should contribute one premium to join the scheme. The payment amount is less than the first monthly CareShield Life payout you will receive. Upon joining the scheme, you will continue to receive monthly payouts for as long as you remain severely disabled.

The Government will provide means-tested premium subsidies, and Additional Premium Support to help those who are still unable to afford premiums even after subsidies. Claims will be paid out as long as insureds meet the claims criteria.

10. I am born in 1980 or later and I have pre-existing severe disabilities. Will I need to pay premiums for CareShield Life?

If you are born in 1980 or later, you will be able to enjoy protection under CareShield Life, regardless of your ability to pay premiums, even if you have pre-existing disabilities. 

As part of collective responsibility, those with pre-existing disabilities should contribute one premium payment to join the scheme. The payment amount is less than the first monthly CareShield Life payout you will receive. Upon joining the scheme, you will continue to receive monthly payouts for as long as you remain severely disabled.

The Government will provide means-tested premium subsidies, and Additional Premium Support to help those who are still unable to afford premiums even after subsidies. Claims will be paid out as long as insureds meet the claims criteria.

11. If I reside overseas, can I suspend my premium payment for CareShield Life?

CareShield Life will provide monthly cash payouts in the event of severe disability. Today, overseas Singaporeans are able to file ElderShield claims from abroad and receive payouts to support their care costs wherever they may be. This applies even for those who have permanently relocated abroad. This will continue to apply for CareShield Life. Hence, premium payments for overseas Singaporeans cannot be suspended.

12. If I have already bought private insurance plans for disability, will there be duplicative coverage when I join CareShield Life?

There are different private insurance plans on the market. Most cover total and permanent disability or are meant to insure against loss of income when an individual becomes disabled and is unable to work. As such, private insurance plans typically cease coverage between ages 60 to 70 when most insureds retire. CareShield Life, however, provides lifetime coverage and ensures that an individual will receive coverage even if the individual becomes severely disabled in their later years.

In addition, unlike private insurance products which cease coverage if insureds are unable to pay the premiums, under CareShield Life, coverage will not cease if an individual is unable to pay premiums due to financial difficulties. The Government will provide premium subsidies and additional premium support.

15. What is the difference between CareShield Life, ElderShield, MediShield Life, CPF LIFE, ElderFund, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) , Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE)?

CareShield Life, ElderShield, MediShield Life, CPF LIFE, CHAS, HCG, PioneerDAS, ElderFund and IDAPE are schemes that help Singaporeans with different types of healthcare and retirement expenses.

CareShield Life and ElderShield are long-term care insurance schemes that will provide Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents basic financial protection should one become severely disabled (i.e. unable to perform at least three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living), especially in old age. 

For ElderShield, eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who had a MediSave Account when they turned 40 years old in 2019 or earlier were automatically covered under ElderShield. Depending on the plan you have, if you are severely disabled, ElderShield provides monthly cash payouts of $300 per month for up to 60 months (under ElderShield 300 plan), or $400 per month for up to 72 months (under ElderShield 400 plan).  

For CareShield Life, Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents born in 1980 or later will be automatically covered under CareShield Life on 1 October 2020, or when they turn 30, whichever is later. Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents born in 1979 or earlier can choose to join CareShield Life if they are not severely disabled. CareShield Life insureds can receive monthly payouts for as long as they remain severely disabled. Payouts start at $600 per month in 2020 and increase annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier.

MediShield Life is a basic healthcare insurance plan that protects all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents against large medical bills for life.  

CPF LIFE is the national longevity insurance annuity scheme, which insures Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents against the risk of outliving their retirement savings. Under CPF LIFE, members will receive a monthly payout from their payout eligibility age, for as long as they live.  

Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) enables all Singapore Citizens, including Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders, to receive subsidies for medical and/or dental care at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics. CHAS was implemented to allow CHAS cardholders to enjoy more subsidies at Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals when referred by CHAS-partnered clinics or polyclinics. 

Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a monthly cash grant of $200 to support families caring for loved ones with permanent moderate disability (i.e. always require some assistance with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)) who reside in the community. The HCG can be used to defray caregiving expenses, such as the cost of eldercare and services in the community or hiring of a foreign domestic worker. 

Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) offers life-long monthly cash assistance of $100 to Pioneers with permanent moderate disability (i.e. always require some assistance with at least three ADLs). Applicants must be a Pioneer to be eligible. 

Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) offers a monthly cash assistance of up to $250 to needy elderly Singapore Citizens living in Singapore who are needy, severely disabled and unable to join ElderShield when it was launched in 2002 either because they had exceeded the maximum entry age or had pre-existing disabilities. 

ElderFund is a discretionary government assistance scheme providing monthly cash assistance of up to $250 to severely disabled, lower-income Singapore Citizens, aged 30 and above, who are not able to benefit from CareShield Life, ElderShield and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE), and have low MediSave balances and inadequate personal savings to meet their long-term care needs.

19. I am born in 1980 or later, when will I be notified of my CareShield Life cover?

If you are born in 1980 or later, you will be automatically covered under CareShield Life on 1 October 2020, or when you turn 30, whichever is later.

If you are born between 1980 and 1990 (i.e. aged 30 to 40 in 2020), you will receive a CareShield Life welcome package informing you of your CareShield Life cover, by 2 September 2020 or up to two months before your 30th birthday, whichever is later. If you are born after 1990 (i.e. aged below 30 in 2020), you will receive a CareShield Life welcome package before you reach age 30.

20. Can I opt-out from CareShield Life?

Please select the age group you belong to. 

You selected: I am a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later, CareShield Life will be universal and mandatory for you. You will not be able to opt out. 

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance which provides financial protection against long-term care costs of Singaporeans in the event of severe disability. CareShield Life will provide you with better protection and assurance for basic long-term care needs with:

1. 1. Lifetime cash payouts, for as long as the insured remain severely disabled;  
   
2. 2. Increasing monthly payouts, starting at $600/month in 2020 and increases annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier; 
3. 3. Government subsidies to make it affordable, with no one losing coverage if they cannot pay premiums;
   
4. 4. Premiums can be fully paid by MediSave.
   

You selected: I am a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1979 or earlier

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, you will be automatically enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are currently covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. You can opt out of CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if you do not wish to join the scheme.  

To opt-out of CareShield Life, you may access the Opt-out of CareShield Life e-Service and log in using Singpass to complete the application by 31 December 2023. Your ElderShield will be automatically reinstated, subject to successful collection of ElderShield premiums (if any). You will not be able to opt-out from CareShield Life after 31 December 2023.

If you are not auto-enrolled and had chosen to join CareShield Life, you may opt-out of CareShield Life by accessing the Opt-out of CareShield Life e-Service. Log in using Singpass to complete the application Please complete the application within the 60 days free-look period from your CareShield Life cover commencement date. If you were covered under ElderShield prior to your joining of CareShield Life, your ElderShield will be automatically reinstated after you have opted-out of CareShield Life, subject to successful collection of ElderShield premiums (if any).

You will not be able to opt-out from CareShield Life after the 60 days free-look period.

If you are a foreigner who become a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident from 1 October 2020 onwards, is born in 1979 or earlier and is not severely disabled, CareShield Life will be mandatory for you.

1. I am an existing ElderShield/ElderShield Supplement insured. Do I have to join CareShield Life?

To make joining CareShield Life more convenient, you will be auto-enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. If you are auto-enrolled, you can opt out from CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if you do not wish to join the scheme.

Those who are not auto-enrolled can choose to join CareShield Life from 6 November 2021. 

The Government will provide participation incentives of up to $2,500 to all Singapore Citizens born in 1979 or earlier who join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023. Additional participation incentives of $1,500 will also be provided to Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens who join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023.

The Government will also provide means-tested premium subsidies and Additional Premium Support to those who join CareShield Life, to ensure that no one who joins the scheme loses coverage due to financial difficulties.

2. If I am born in 1979 or earlier and am severely disabled, can I join CareShield Life?

If you are born in 1979 or earlier and severely disabled (i.e. unable to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living), you will not be eligible to join CareShield Life.

If you are insured under ElderShield and has not made a claim yet, you may wish to claim from ElderShield instead. Depending on the plan you have, ElderShield provides monthly cash payouts of $300 per month for up to 60 months (under ElderShield 300 plan), or $400 per month for up to 72 months (under ElderShield 400 plan).

If you have completed receiving your ElderShield payouts, you may wish to tap on means-tested Government subsidies and various Government assistance schemes (such as the ElderFund) for assistance.

If you have not recovered or have claimed your balance ElderShield payouts, you may wish to tap on means-tested Government subsidies and other Government assistance schemes (such as Home Caregiving Grant, ElderFund) to complement your personal savings and family support, in meeting your long-term care needs. If you are still unable to pay for your care even after Government subsidies and other means of support, there are Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund and ComCare.

You may also wish to approach the Medical Social Workers at the health institution you are seeking medical treatment from or approach your nearest Social Service Office (SSO). For more information on MediFund or ComCare, please visit https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medifund or http://www.msf.gov.sg/comcare.

5. Why is universal coverage not extended to those born in 1979 or earlier?

Universal coverage is not extended to those born in 1979 or earlier as this is a diverse group - some may have previously opted out of ElderShield, or decided not to upgrade to ElderShield. Others could have bought Supplements or insurance plans. Those born in 1979 or earlier would also likely face higher entry premiums as they have fewer years to spread their premium payment over. The prevalence of those who are already severely disabled in the older cohorts is also much higher, which would make it harder to cover everyone while still keeping premiums affordable. Hence, universal coverage was not extended to those born in 1979 or earlier.

Those who are born in 1979 or earlier and who are already severely disabled will not be able to join CareShield Life. The Government will help them through other ways e.g. Government subsidies and other Government schemes such as the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund. They can also tap on ElderFund and their MediSave savings.

Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund, ComCare can also provide further assistance to Singaporeans who are unable to pay for their care even after Government subsidies and other means of support.

13. If I am currently on ElderShield 300/400 and choose to upgrade to CareShield Life, can I opt out or downgrade back to ElderShield 300/400 subsequently?

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, you will be automatically enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are currently covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. You can opt out of CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if you do not wish to join the scheme and you will automatically be placed back onto your ElderShield 400 scheme.

Those who are not auto-enrolled can choose to join CareShield Life. If you are an ElderShield insured in this group, you will have a 60-day free-look period from the commencement of your CareShield Life coverage, for you to consider your decision. If you choose to opt out, you will be given a full premium refund and automatically be placed back onto your original ElderShield 300/400 scheme.

You will not be able to opt out from the scheme after the applicable opt-out/free-look periods.

14. Should I upgrade to/join CareShield Life?

The Government encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1979 or earlier, and not severely disabled, to consider joining CareShield Life to ensure they have financial protection for long-term care.

To ensure that CareShield Life premiums are affordable, the Government will provide several premium support measures for those born in 1979 or earlier:

•Means-tested premium subsidies of up to 30% of premiums of CareShield Life, to help lower- to middle-income households.

•Participation incentives of up to $2,500 for Singapore Citizens, if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023, to encourage those born in 1979 or earlier to join CareShield Life.

•Additional participation incentives of $1,500 for Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023.

•Additional Premium Support for Singaporeans who are unable to pay their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies, so that no one will lose coverage under CareShield Life due to their inability to pay premiums.

15. Will I get higher subsidies if I am of an older age since my CareShield Life premiums will be higher?

Similar to those born in 1980 or later, if you are born in 1979 or earlier, you will receive means-tested subsidies of up to 30%, on your base premiums for CareShield Life. Although annual premiums for older Singaporeans will be higher as they face fewer years to spread their premium payment, annual subsidies will accordingly be higher.

The Government will also be providing participation incentives of between $500 and $2500 to encourage those born in 1979 or earlier to join the scheme. The incentive amount is tiered by age, and older Singaporeans will receive higher incentives. Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens will receive additional participation incentives of $1,500, with the total participation incentives coming up to $4,000.

Those who need more assistance with their premium payment after subsidies and the participation incentive will receive Additional Premium Support, and no one who joins CareShield Life will lose coverage due to financial difficulties.

16. I am born in 1979 or earlier. Can I opt out from the CareShield Life scheme after joining (e.g. if I cannot afford the premiums)?

To make joining CareShield Life more convenient, you will be auto-enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. If you are auto-enrolled, you can opt out from CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if you do not wish to join the scheme.

Those who are not auto-enrolled can choose to join CareShield Life. If you are in this group, you will have a 60-day free-look period from the commencement of your CareShield Life coverage, for you to consider your decision.

The Government will provide participation incentives of up to $2,500 to all Singapore Citizens born in 1979 or earlier who join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023. Additional participation incentives of $1,500 will also be provided to Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens who join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023.

The Government will also provide means-tested premium subsidies and Additional Premium Support to those who join CareShield Life, to ensure that no one who joins the scheme loses coverage due to financial difficulties. For this reason, after the applicable free-look periods, you will not be able to opt out from the scheme.

If you are a foreigner who become a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident from 1 October 2020 onwards, is born in 1979 or earlier and is not severely disabled, CareShield Life will be mandatory for you.

17. If I have finished claiming my ESH 300/400 payouts, can I still join CareShield Life?

If you have recovered from severe disability, you can choose to join CareShield Life but you may be required to undergo a disability assessment. 

You will not be able to join CareShield Life if you are severely disabled.

If you have finished claiming your ElderShield payouts or are not on ElderShield, you can tap on means-tested Government subsidies and various Government assistance schemes such as Home Caregiving Grant and ElderFund, and MediSave Care to complement your personal savings and family support, in meeting your long-term care needs. Government assistance schemes such as the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund can also help defray the cost of consumables and assistive devices. 

Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund, ComCare can provide further assistance if you are unable to pay for your care even after Government subsidies and other means of support.

20. I am born in 1979 or earlier and did not qualify to join ElderShield previously. Am I eligible to join CareShield Life now?

When ElderShield was launched in 2002, a small group of people was not eligible for ElderShield at that time because they were aged 70 or above (born on or before 30 September 1932) or had pre-existing disabilities then. To help this group with their long-term care costs, the government introduced the Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) in 2002. 

If you are a Singapore Citizen in this group and are severely disabled, you can apply to receive $150/month or $250/month under IDAPE, depending on your per capita household income, for a maximum of 6 years. For assistance on IDAPE application, please visit the AIC website or call Agency for Integrated Care at 1800-650-6060.

If you are not severely disabled when CareShield Life is available in December 2021, you can join CareShield Life. You will be eligible to claim under CareShield Life if you subsequently become severely disabled.

23. What will happen to my current ElderShield and Supplement plans after CareShield Life is launched?

Your existing ElderShield and Supplement plans will continue to protect you as the launch of CareShield Life will not affect your existing plans. You will continue to pay the same premiums and enjoy the same benefits for as long as you are covered.

Those who are not severely disabled can consider joining CareShield Life. If you wish to join CareShield Life, you may access the Application to join CareShield Life e-Service and log in using Singpass to complete the application.

If you choose to join CareShield Life, the ElderShield premiums that you have paid will be taken into account when computing your CareShield Life premiums. However, as Supplement products are run by the private insurers, the premiums paid for ElderShield Supplements will not be taken into account.

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, you will be automatically enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are currently covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment.

24. I am born in 1979 or earlier. Do I need to back pay premiums from age 30 to join CareShield Life?

ElderShield premiums that ElderShield insureds have paid will be taken into account when computing their CareShield Life premiums. Insureds do not need to back pay for CareShield Life coverage starting from 30; they will only be paying for coverage going forward. 

However, CareShield Life's annual premiums for older insureds will still be higher than those of younger insureds, as they have less years to spread their premium payment over.

25. Why is the Government auto-enrolling ElderShield 400 insureds who are born between 1970 to 1979 to CareShield Life?

Auto-enrolment will make it more convenient for Singaporeans to join CareShield Life. The majority of ElderShield 400 insureds born between 1970 to 1979 are unlikely to be severely disabled in 2021, as severe disability is more likely to occur in old age.

If you are a ElderShield 400 insured born between 1970 to 1979, you will have at least 2 years, up to 31 December 2023, to opt out of CareShield Life if you do not wish to remain in the scheme.

Nonetheless, those born in 1979 or earlier and are not severely disabled can join CareShield Life. The Government will provide means-tested premium subsidies and participation incentives if they do so.

26. How do the CareShield Life premiums and monthly payouts compare against Supplements and other private long-term care insurance plans?

Supplement premiums are not directly comparable as there are inherent differences in the product design of CareShield Life, Supplements and other private long-term care products:

• Currently, there are no Supplement plans with increasing payouts, although there are Supplement plans that have a higher payout quantum and no cap on payout duration, similar to CareShield Life.
• Supplements generally have premium schedules designed to keep annual premiums lower e.g. some of them allow premiums to be paid up to age 80, 100 or over the insured’s lifetime while CareShield Life only requires premiums to be paid up to age 67. Some Supplements offer additional benefits, such as death benefit, lump sum benefit upon claim or payouts upon not being able to perform at least 2 out of the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which CareShield Life does not provide.

As part of CareShield Life, the Government will be providing several premium support measures for those born in 1979 or earlier, including means-tested premium subsidies, participation incentives, and Additional Premium Support for those who are unable to pay their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies. No one will lose coverage due to financial difficulties.

In addition, CareShield Life will be administered by the Government on a not-for-profit basis. Government administration will enable the provision of premium support for lower- and middle-income Singaporeans and offer more flexibility for future scheme enhancements. 

27. I am born in 1979 or earlier. Will I be able to join or upgrade to CareShield Life?

If you are born in 1979 or earlier, you can join CareShield Life if you are not severely disabled (i.e. unable to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living). If you wish to join CareShield Life, you may access the Application to join CareShield Life e-Service and log in using Singpass to complete the application.  . Some applicants may need to undergo a disability assessment. Should you be required to attend a disability assessment, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to do so.

To make joining CareShield Life more convenient, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1970 to 1979 will be auto-enrolled into CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if they are insured under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. They can opt out of CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if they do not wish to join the scheme.

If you are a foreigner who become a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident from 1 October 2020 onwards, is born in 1979 or earlier and is not severely disabled, CareShield Life will be mandatory for you.

29. What is the difference between CareShield Life, ElderShield, MediShield Life, CPF LIFE, ElderFund, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) , Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE)?

CareShield Life, ElderShield, MediShield Life, CPF LIFE, CHAS, HCG, PioneerDAS, ElderFund and IDAPE are schemes that help Singaporeans with different types of healthcare and retirement expenses.

CareShield Life and ElderShield are long-term care insurance schemes that will provide Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents basic financial protection should one become severely disabled (i.e. unable to perform at least three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living), especially in old age.

For ElderShield, eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who had a MediSave Account when they turned 40 years old in 2019 or earlier were automatically covered under ElderShield. Depending on the plan you have, if you are severely disabled, ElderShield provides monthly cash payouts of $300 per month for up to 60 months (under ElderShield 300 plan), or $400 per month for up to 72 months (under ElderShield 400 plan).

For CareShield Life, Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents born in 1980 or later will be automatically covered under CareShield Life on 1 October 2020, or when they turn 30, whichever is later. Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents born in 1979 or earlier can choose to join CareShield Life from 6 November 2021 if they are not severely disabled. CareShield Life insureds can receive payouts for as long as they remain severely disabled. Payouts start at $600 per month in 2020 and increase annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier.

MediShield Life is a basic healthcare insurance plan that protects all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents against large medical bills for life.

CPF LIFE is the national longevity insurance annuity scheme, which insures Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents against the risk of outliving their retirement savings. Under CPF LIFE, members will receive a monthly payout from their payout eligibility age, for as long as they live.

Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) enables all Singapore Citizens, including Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders, to receive subsidies for medical and/or dental care at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics. CHAS was implemented to allow CHAS cardholders to enjoy more subsidies at Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals when referred by CHAS-partnered clinics or polyclinics.

Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a monthly cash grant of $200 to support families caring for loved ones with permanent moderate disability (i.e. always require some assistance with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)) who reside in the community. The HCG can be used to defray caregiving expenses, such as the cost of eldercare and services in the community or hiring of a foreign domestic worker.

Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) offers life-long monthly cash assistance of $100 to Pioneers with permanent moderate disability (i.e. always require some assistance with at least three ADLs). Applicants must be a Pioneer to be eligible.

Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) offers a monthly cash assistance of up to $250 to needy elderly Singapore Citizens living in Singapore who are needy, severely disabled and unable to join ElderShield when it was launched in 2002 either because they had exceeded the maximum entry age or had pre-existing disabilities.

ElderFund is a discretionary government assistance scheme providing monthly cash assistance of up to $250 to severely disabled, lower-income Singapore Citizens, aged 30 and above, who are not able to benefit from CareShield Life, ElderShield and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE), and have low MediSave balances and inadequate personal savings to meet their long-term care needs.

30. Can I opt-out from CareShield Life?

Please select the age group you belong to. 

You selected: I am a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1980 or later, CareShield Life will be universal and mandatory for you. You will not be able to opt out. 

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance which provides financial protection against long-term care costs of Singaporeans in the event of severe disability. CareShield Life will provide you with better protection and assurance for basic long-term care needs with:

1. 1. Lifetime cash payouts, for as long as the insured remain severely disabled;  
   
2. 2. Increasing monthly payouts, starting at $600/month in 2020 and increases annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier; 
3. 3. Government subsidies to make it affordable, with no one losing coverage if they cannot pay premiums;
   
4. 4. Premiums can be fully paid by MediSave.
   

You selected: I am a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1979 or earlier

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born between 1970 and 1979, you will be automatically enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, if you are currently covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and are not severely disabled at the point of auto-enrolment. You can opt out of CareShield Life by 31 December 2023 if you do not wish to join the scheme. 

To opt-out of CareShield Life, you may access the Opt-out of CareShield Life e-Service and log in using Singpass to complete the application by 31 December 2023. Your ElderShield will be automatically reinstated, subject to successful collection of ElderShield premiums (if any). You will not be able to opt-out from CareShield Life after 31 December 2023.

If you are not auto-enrolled and had chosen to join CareShield Life, you may opt-out of CareShield Life by accessing the Opt-out of CareShield Life e-Service. Log in using Singpass to complete the application Please complete the application within the 60 days free-look period from your CareShield Life cover commencement date. If you were covered under ElderShield prior to your joining of CareShield Life, your ElderShield will be automatically reinstated after you have opted-out of CareShield Life, subject to successful collection of ElderShield premiums (if any).

You will not be able to opt-out from CareShield Life after the 60 days free-look period.

If you are a foreigner who become a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident from 1 October 2020 onwards, is born in 1979 or earlier and is not severely disabled, CareShield Life will be mandatory for you.

31. I do not have a CPF account. Can I still join CareShield Life?

If you do not have a CPF account, you will still be invited to join the scheme. You can make your first premium payment via the following methods:

(1) Opening a CPF account by making a top-up to your MediSave Account
(2) A family member* can apply to take over as your premium payer using his/her MediSave savings. To do so, he/she may visit the Change Premium Payer e-Service and log in using his/her own Singpass to complete the “Change Premium Payer” transaction.

*Family member refers to the Insured's spouse, parents, children, siblings or grandchildren.

32. I am born in 1979 or earlier. If I join CareShield Life, will I get premium rebates?

An independent council has been set up to regularly review and recommend premium and payout adjustments for CareShield Life, in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework.

Should the amount of claims be lower than expected, the council could recommend adjustments to future payouts and premiums (e.g. to reduce the rate of premium increases, or even lower the premiums). Conversely, if the amount of claims is higher than expected, the council could recommend adjustments (e.g. increase the rate of premium increases) to make the scheme more sustainable. A premium rebate is one possible mechanism within this framework.

34. I have already paid for ElderShield premiums for this year. Will I get any refund if I apply to join CareShield Life?

The ElderShield premiums will be refunded if you join CareShield Life and your CareShield Life commencement date is in the same year as your ElderShield policy renewal.

For example, if you paid ElderShield Premiums in September 2021 (for your ElderShield policy renewal in 2021), and later joined CareShield Life in December 2021, the ElderShield premiums you have paid in September 2021 will be refunded to you.

The refund of ElderShield premiums (if any) will take place upon collection of the first CareShield Life premium.

1. What is the monthly payout amount for CareShield Life?

A successful CareShield Life claimant can receive monthly payouts for the entire duration of severe disability (i.e. for as long as he/she remains severely disabled) and continues to be insured under CareShield Life. This is meant to provide better protection against the uncertainty of long-term care costs.

The potential payout starts at $600 per month in 2020, which and designed to increases annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier. 

For example, if a 30-year-old individual joined CareShield Life in 2020, is severely disabled and makes a claim in 2020, he/she can potentially receive $600 per month, for the entire duration of severe disability. However, if a 30-year-old individual joined CareShield Life in 2020, and becomes severely disabled at age 67 or later, he/she can potentially receive $1,200 per month upon making a successful claim, for the entire duration of severe disability.

For an insured (born in 1954 and earlier) who joined the scheme at age 67 or after, his/her monthly payout will be fixed at $612/month when a successful claim is made.

2. What will be the rate of premium and payout increases for CareShield Life?  

The rate of premium and payout increases for CareShield Life will have to be reviewed regularly based on actuarial principles, taking into account factors like changes in claims experience and longevity. This is important to keep the fund sustainable. 

An independent council will be set up to regularly review these trends and advise the Government on premium and payout adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. Actual future premiums and monthly payouts will vary depending on the regular adjustments.

To give Singaporeans greater certainty in the first five years, payouts and premiums* will each increase by 2% per year.

*2% increase of premiums per year excludes GST.

3. How was the starting payout of $600 per month for CareShield Life decided?

Long-term care costs vary depending on one’s care needs and arrangements. How one finances these costs also vary, depending on one’s financial resources.

In deciding the enhanced payouts, the ElderShield Review Committee took into account the basic long-term care costs for a range of services and settings, other sources of long-term care funding, such as Government subsidies and assistance schemes, community support, personal savings, family support and Government-funded safety nets e.g. MediFund or ComCare; as well as the need to balance benefits and premium affordability. As part of the overall enhancements to long-term care financing, CareShield Life will provide better protection and assurance to Singaporeans for their basic long-term care needs.

If you wish to have additional coverage, you may consider supplementing your basic CareShield Life insurance with Supplements from the private insurers.

4. Why do CareShield Life payouts stop increasing once insureds stop paying premiums e.g. when they make a claim or turn 67?

CareShield Life payout increases will need to be supported by premium adjustments, to keep the scheme sustainable. Those who wish to have payouts that increase for life may opt to purchase Supplements. Insurers may also wish to take note of CareShield Life features when designing Supplements. 

CareShield Life payouts should also not be seen in isolation, but complement existing Government subsidies, Government assistance schemes, community support, personal savings and family support, to better enable Singaporeans to afford their basic long-term care costs. They can also make monthly cash withdrawals of up to $200 from their and/or their spouse’s MediSave Account(s) under MediSave Care from 1 October 2020 onwards. 

For Singaporeans who are unable to pay for their care even after Government subsidies, CareShield Life payouts and personal savings, there are Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund or ComCare which can provide further assistance. 

6. CareShield Life is still targeted at those with severe disability i.e. unable to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living. Why was this retained?

CareShield Life is targeted at severe disability, so that premiums can be kept affordable for all insureds.

If you are a Singaporean with mild or moderate disabilities, and need long-term care, you can tap on means-tested Government subsidies for long-term care services, as well as other Government assistance schemes (e.g. the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund) to complement your personal savings and family support.

Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund/ComCare can also help you pay for these long-term care costs, should you be unable to afford long-term care services.

If you wish to cover yourself for less severe disabilities, you can consider purchasing Supplements from the private insurers.

10. Will my CareShield Life be terminated if I am no longer a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident?

CareShield Life is intended to be a universal long-term care insurance scheme and part of Singapore’s social safety net for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Those who renounce their Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Resident status will lose their CareShield Life cover.

This approach differs from ElderShield scheme as ElderShield is not a universal scheme, and there is no Government support provided in the form of premium subsidies and incentives.

1. What Government subsidies or incentives are available to help me with my CareShield Life premiums?

To ensure that CareShield Life premiums are affordable, the Government has committed to providing several premium support measures when the scheme is launched:

• Means-tested premium subsidies of up to 30% of premiums of CareShield Life, to help lower- to middle-income households.
• Transitional subsidies for the first five years from launch of CareShield Life for Singapore Citizens born in 1980 or later, to ease their transition into the scheme.
• Participation incentives of up to $2,500 to encourage Singapore Citizens, if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023, to encourage those born in 1979 or earlier to join CareShield Life.
• Additional participation incentives of $1,500 for Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023.

Additional Premium Support for Singaporeans who are unable to pay their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies, so that no one will lose coverage under CareShield Life due to their inability to pay premiums.

You may access the CareShield Life Premium Checker e-Service with your Singpass for information on your personalised premiums and premium support.

2. Why do CareShield Life premiums increase over time?

Annual increases in CareShield Life payouts help protect the value of CareShield Life payouts over time. This needs to be supported by annual increases in CareShield Life premiums. To give Singaporeans greater certainty in the first five years, payouts and premiums* will each increase by 2% per year.

An independent council will be set up to regularly review these trends and advise the Government on CareShield Life premium and payout adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. The Government will consider affordability of premiums when reviewing the council’s advice on premium adjustments.

*2% increase of premiums per year excludes GST.

4. How often will the CareShield Life premiums increase?

To give Singaporeans greater certainty in the first five years, payouts and premiums* for CareShield Life will each increase by 2% per year.

An independent council will be set up to regularly review these trends and advise the Government on CareShield Life premium and payout adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. The Government will consider affordability of premiums when reviewing the council’s advice on premium adjustments.

*2% increase of premiums per year excludes GST.

5. What will be the CareShield Life premiums when a 30-year-old today reaches 67 years old?

For those born in 1980 or later, starting premiums vary by joining age and gender. CareShield Life premiums are designed to increase regularly to support the regular increase in payouts. The schedule of premium increases is not fixed, and will be regularly reviewed by an independent council to ensure the sustainability of the scheme.

As an illustration, for a 30-year-old who joins the CareShield Life scheme upon its launch, his premiums would increase from $17/month to $36/month when he reaches 67 years old, assuming a non-guaranteed 2% premium increase per annum (excluding GST). His payouts would have correspondingly increased from $600/month at scheme launch to around $1,200/month. Actual future premiums and payouts will vary depending on the adjustment each year.

However, to provide greater assurance to Singaporeans, for the first five years of scheme implementation, payouts and premiums* will both increase by 2% per year. An independent council will be set up to regularly review these trends thereafter and advise the Government on premium and payout adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework.

*2% increase of premiums per year excludes GST.

6. I am born in 1979 or earlier. What are my CareShield Life premiums?

You may wish to refer to the CareShield Life Premium Checker e-Service to view your premium details and premium support.

For those born in 1979 or earlier, your premium may have two components:

1. Base premium

All those born in 1979 or earlier and who join CareShield Life will pay a base premium. Base premiums are paid from the age you join until age 67, or for a period of 10 years for those who join at age 59 or older from 6 November 2021.

ElderShield 400 insureds who have been consistently on the scheme will only need to pay the base premium component if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2021. 

Base premiums are designed to increase regularly to support the regular increase in payouts but will remain flat after age 67 if they remain payable. From 2020 to 2025, the increase is 2% per year (excluding GST). Beyond that, premium and payout adjustments will be recommended by an independent CareShield Life Council, in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework.

2. Catch-up Component

You will need to pay a catch-up component, on top of the base premium, if:

i. You are an existing ElderShield 300 insured.
ii. You are not insured under ElderShield or have opted into ElderShield late.
iii. You are an existing ElderShield 400 insured who joined CareShield Life later (from 1 January 2022 onwards).
iv. Your ElderShield 300/400 policies have become reduced paid-up (i.e. you stopped paying premiums after a minimum number of years of premium payment, which qualifies you for a lower payout amount).

This is because you would not have paid as much premiums as those in the same cohort who had been consistently insured under the ElderShield 400 scheme and joined CareShield Life earlier. 

The catch-up component will also be applicable to foreigners who become Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents from 1 October 2020 onwards.

The catch-up component is a flat amount paid over across 10 years and is paid on top of the base premium.

9. What is the catch-up component under CareShield Life?

All Singapore residents born in 1979 or earlier who join CareShield Life will pay a base premium.

If you are an existing ElderShield 400 insured who have been consistently on an ElderShield policy (i.e. never opted out, or upgraded from ElderShield 300 to ElderShield 400 in 2007 when you had the chance to) and join CareShield Life by 31 December 2021, you will only pay the base premium each year.

You will need to pay a catch-up component, on top of the base premium, if:

i. You are an existing ElderShield 300 insured.
ii. You are not insured under ElderShield or have opted into ElderShield late.
iii. You are an existing ElderShield 400 insured who joined CareShield Life later (from 1 January 2022 onwards).
iv. Your ElderShield 300/400 policies have become reduced paid-up (i.e. you stopped paying premiums after a minimum number of years of premium payment, which qualifies you for a lower payout amount).

This is because you would not have paid as much premiums as those in the same cohort who are covered under the ElderShield 400 scheme and joined CareShield Life earlier. The catch-up component will be paid over 10 years and will remain a flat amount.

The catch-up component will also be applicable to foreigners who become Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents from 1 October 2020 onwards.

10. I am born in 1979 or earlier. Why are there no subsidies for the catch-up component when it looks so substantial?

All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1979 or earlier who join CareShield Life will pay a base premium that takes into account the premiums existing ElderShield 400 insureds in their cohort have already paid for ElderShield. 

You will need to pay a catch-up component, on top of the base premium, if:

i. You are an existing ElderShield 300 insured.
ii. You are not insured under ElderShield or have opted into ElderShield late.
iii. You are an existing ElderShield 400 insured who joined CareShield Life later (from 1 January 2022 onwards).
iv. Your ElderShield 300/400 policies have become reduced paid-up (i.e. you stopped paying premiums after a minimum number of years of premium payment, which qualifies you for a lower payout amount).

The catch-up component will also be applicable to foreigners who become Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents from 1 October 2020 onwards.

The catch-up component is not subsidised to ensure parity in premium subsidies across different groups within those born in 1979 or earlier. 

Nonetheless, for those who are unable to pay for their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies, the Government will provide Additional Premium Support, so that no one who joins CareShield Life loses coverage due to financial difficulties.

13. Why was the CareShield Life premium payment term extended to age 67?

Starting the CareShield Life premium payment duration at age 30, and ending at age 67 lengthens the premium payment duration. A longer duration of premium payment allows insureds to spread premium payment over more years, so as to reduce annual premiums payable.

The premium payment end age might be subsequently reviewed to take into consideration the changes in the re-employment age. Ample notice will be given to cohorts who are affected by any changes to the premium payment end age.

16. Why are CareShield Life premiums for older cohorts higher than younger cohorts?

The estimated premiums for all cohorts are actuarially determined and are designed to be not-for-profit.

CareShield Life premiums are meant to be paid from age 30 to 67, or until the insured makes a claim. Older cohorts who join CareShield Life will have higher annual CareShield Life premiums as they have fewer years to spread their premium payments over, as compared to younger cohorts. Older cohorts also have a higher risk of becoming severely disabled.

The Government will provide premium support for those born 1979 or earlier:

1. Lower- to middle-income Singapore residents will receive Means-tested Subsidies. Up to two-thirds of Singapore resident households will be eligible for CareShield Life subsidies of up to 30%.
2. Singapore Citizens born in 1979 or earlier will receive Participation Incentives of up to $2,500, spread over the first 10 years of their policy, if they join CareShield Life in the first two years from 6 November 2021.
3. Those in financial need who are unable to pay for their premiums after premium subsidies can apply for Additional Premium Support from the Government.

17. Why are CareShield Life premiums for females higher although their payouts are the same as males?

CareShield Life provides the same amount of expected benefits per dollar of premium paid for both women and men over their lifetimes. Compared to men, women generally live longer and have higher chances of being severely disabled, hence they are likely to receive longer CareShield Life coverage and more payouts over their lifetime. As men and women pay premiums for CareShield Life for the same number of years, the annual premiums for women need to be higher to account for their longer expected duration of payout over their lifetime. 

We will provide support to lower-income women through the existing social support schemes for lower-income Singaporeans. For CareShield Life, the Government will also provide premium subsidies and support based on one’s financial circumstances to ensure that premiums are affordable.

19. What if CareShield Life premiums result in me not meeting the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)?

The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is an estimate of what you need for your basic subsidised healthcare expenses in old age. As CareShield Life premium payments will stop at the re-employment age of 67 for most Singaporeans, the Government does not expect premiums to have a significant impact on the BHS.

While you are not required to top up your MediSave if you do not meet the BHS, you and your family members are strongly encouraged to consider doing so.

20. Does the Basic Healthcare Sum need to be increased because of the higher CareShield Life premiums?

The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is the estimated savings required for basic subsidised healthcare needs in old age. As CareShield Life premium payments will stop at the re-employment age of 67 for most Singaporeans, the Government does not expect premiums to have a significant impact on the BHS.

Nevertheless, the Government will review and adjust the BHS regularly to ensure that Singaporeans’ MediSave savings keep pace with growth in MediSave use by the elderly, especially with rising healthcare costs and expansions in MediSave uses.

25. I am covered under CareShield Life. What is Additional Premium Support and who can qualify?

Additional Premium Support (APS) is designed to help Singaporeans who cannot afford CareShield Life/MediShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies and payment by MediSave and have insufficient family support to rely on.

This is to ensure that no Singaporeans will lose coverage due to financial difficulties.

Please note that you will not be eligible for APS if you have an additional private medical insurance cover under an Integrated Shield Plan and/or Supplements under CareShield Life/ElderShield. You will also not be eligible for APS if you are paying the premiums of someone else’s Integrated Shield Plan and/or Supplements under CareShield Life/ElderShield.

27. What happens if I do not pay the CareShield Life premiums I owe?

With universal coverage under the CareShield Life scheme, you are responsible for paying your CareShield Life premiums, as part of our overall collective responsibility in meeting our long-term care needs.

With Government support in the form of means-tested premium subsidies and Additional Premium Support, no one will lose CareShield Life coverage due to financial difficulties.

Premium defaults, if not fully settled, would lead to a bad debt for the scheme, and would need to be shouldered by other insureds in the form of higher premiums.

The Government will send notices and reminders to those who have not paid their premiums. Premium recovery measures, similar to those for MediShield Life, may be employed for the small minority who are able to pay but wilfully default on their premiums.

29. How can I pay CareShield Life premiums as reflected on the Premium Checker e-Service?

Premium payment can be fully paid via MediSave. If you have sufficient funds in your MediSave, your CareShield Life premiums will be automatically deducted from your MediSave.

If you have insufficient savings in your MediSave, you can make a top-up via CPF e-Cashier (select “Contribute to My MediSave”). 

Alternatively, a family member* can apply to take over as your premium payer using his/her MediSave. To do so, he/she may visit the Change Premium Payer e-Service and log in using his/her own Singpass to complete the “Change Premium Payer” transaction.  

*Family member refers to the Insured's spouse, parents, children, siblings or grandchildren.

32. How can I pay my CareShield Life premiums if I am overseas?

Your CareShield Life premiums will be automatically deducted from your MediSave.  In the event of insufficient savings in the MediSave for premium payment, you can top up your MediSave through CPF e-Cashier (select “Contribute to My MediSave”).

If you do not have a MediSave Account, you can set up a MediSave Account with CPF Board by making a top-up through CPF e-Cashier (select “Contribute to My MediSave”). 

Alternatively, a family member* can apply to take over as your premium payer using his/her MediSave. To do so, he/she may visit the Change Premium Payer e-Service and log in using his/her own Singpass to complete the “Change Premium Payer” transaction.  

*Family member refers to the Insured's spouse, parents, children, siblings or grandchildren.

36. What if I am not able to pay for my CareShield Life premiums?

There are various Government subsidies available to help Singaporeans with their CareShield Life premiums. In addition, the Government will provide Additional Premium Support (APS) to help those who are unable to afford their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies and have limited family support.

If you are eligible, the Government will send you an application inviting you to apply for Additional Premium Support. The Government will reach out to you to help you with the process if you are unable to make the application by yourself.

For more information on APS, please visit the MediShield Life website or call the Healthcare Hotline at 1800-222-3399 for assistance.

38. How can I apply for Additional Premium Support to pay for my CareShield Life premiums?

Additional Premium Support (APS) provides financial assistance to members who are unable to afford their premiums after premium subsidies and have limited family support.

There is no need for you to apply for APS ahead of time. You will be invited to apply for APS should you have insufficient MediSave savings and limited family support to pay your premiums.

If you are subsequently assessed to be eligible for the scheme, the Government will grant APS to you to pay for your MediShield Life and CareShield Life (if applicable) premiums.

For more information on APS, please visit the MediShield Life website or call the Healthcare Hotline at 1800-222-3399 for assistance.

43. What are the measures that the Ministry of Health has put in place to prevent CareShield Life premiums from escalating drastically?

The CareShield Life Council will regularly review the experience of the CareShield Life scheme and advise the Government on CareShield Life premium and payout adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. Regular reviews would be conducted on key assumptions such as morbidity experience, trends in mortality, rate of claims continuance etc. 

If the actual claims paid are higher than expected, the Council may recommend adjustments (e.g. increase the rate of premium increases or moderate the pace of payout increases) to ensure the scheme remains sustainable. 

The Government will consider affordability of premiums when reviewing the Council’s advice on premium adjustments.

44. Does the Government intend to provide additional CareShield Life premium support to help individuals who are financially affected by COVID-19?

The Government has put in place several measures to ensure that CareShield Life premiums remain affordable. In particular, the Government will provide means-tested premium subsidies, Additional Premium Support and other support measures to ensure that premiums remain affordable. This includes the transitional subsidies for the future cohorts joining the new scheme.

We also understand that it may be more challenging to meet living expenses during the current COVID-19 pandemic. There are additional support measures available to support lower- and middle-income families, such as the Temporary Relief Fund and COVID-19 Support Grant.

45. Is the collection of CareShield Life premiums for those with insufficient MediSave deferred till December 2021 as well?

Similar to MediShield Life, CareShield Life premium collection will be deferred till end 2021 for those with insufficient MediSave and are unable to pay their premiums.

You need to resume paying your CareShield Life premiums after the deferment period. 

To pay for your CareShield Life premium, you can make a top-up via CPF e-Cashier (select “Contribute to My MediSave”) or ask a family member to take over as your premium payer using his/her MediSave. To do so, he/she may visit the Change Premium Payer e-Service and log in using his/her own Singpass to complete the “Change Premium Payer” transaction.  

If you are unable to pay the premiums and have limited family support, we encourage you to apply for Additional Premium Support (APS). 

46. What will be my total CareShield Life premiums payable for the full premium payment term?

To ensure sustainability and affordability of CareShield Life, an independent CareShield Life Council, which comprises 14 members from a variety of fields, such as accountancy, actuarial science, investment, medicine, law, union, and government, will consider the prevailing trends and regularly advise the Government on adjusting the premiums and payouts in line with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. 

Hence, the Government is unable to provide the total CareShield Life premiums payable for the full premium payment term, as actual future premiums and payouts will vary depending on the regular adjustments. 

However, to provide Singaporeans with greater assurance and certainty, CareShield Life premiums* and payouts increment have been fixed at 2% per year for the first five years of scheme implementation. The Government will also publish any relevant information on the premiums and payouts adjustment when available.

*2% increase of premiums per year excludes GST.

47. What if I do not have sufficient MediSave to pay for CareShield Life premiums?

You may top up your MediSave using cash via CPF e-Cashier with your Singpass (select “Contribute to My MediSave”).

Alternatively, a family member* can apply to take over as your premium payer using his/her MediSave. To do so, he/she may visit the Change Premium Payer e-Service and log in using his/her own Singpass to complete the “Change Premium Payer” transaction.  

*Family member refers to the Insured's spouse, parents, children, siblings, or grandchildren.

The Government will provide several premium support measures for those born in 1979 or earlier to ensure that CareShield Life premiums are affordable:

• Means-tested premium subsidies of up to 30% of premiums of CareShield Life, to help lower- to middle-income households.
• Participation incentives of up to $2,500 for Singapore Citizens, if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023, to encourage those born in 1979 or earlier to join CareShield Life.
• Additional participation incentives of $1,500 for Merdeka and Pioneer Generation citizens if they join CareShield Life by 31 December 2023.

Additional Premium Support for Singaporeans who are unable to pay their CareShield Life premiums even after premium subsidies, so that no one will lose coverage under CareShield Life due to their inability to pay premiums.

50. Why are the CareShield Life premiums collected so high?

CareShield Life premiums are calculated such that each age cohort of insureds pay sufficient premiums to support their expected payouts as a cohort. This ensures the long-term sustainability of the insurance fund. 

While CareShield Life insureds are younger, premiums collected are naturally more than payouts in that year due to fewer claims. However, the premiums collected will be carried over to support the payouts when they become severely disabled in the future. 

Going forward, an independent CareShield Life Council will regularly review factors like changes in claims experience and longevity and advise the Government on premium adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework. The Government will consider affordability of premiums when reviewing the Council’s advice on premium adjustments. 

CareShield Life is managed by the Government on a not-for-profit basis. Any excess premiums will be used to benefit insureds and there are legal safeguards to ensure the Government cannot divert CareShield Life and ElderShield Insurance Fund monies for non-prescribed uses.

1. How do I check the premiums payable under CareShield Life?

The CareShield Life Premium Checker  allows individuals to view their personalised CareShield Life premiums and subsidies for the current policy year, and their estimated premiums and subsidies for upcoming policy years.

If you are born in 1945 or earlier, you will face higher annual CareShield Life premiums as you have fewer years to spread your premium payment over, as compared to younger cohorts. Older cohorts also have a higher risk of becoming severely disabled. 

3. What should I do if one of my household members has disallowed access to his financial information for the purpose of CareShield Life Premium Subsidies eligibility checks?

If one of your household members has decided not to allow access to his/her financial information for eligibility checks for CareShield Life Premium Subsidies and any applicable CareShield Life assistance measures, we will not be able to calculate the household's eligibility for CareShield Life Premium Subsidies. As such, we are unable to extend any CareShield Life Premium Subsidies and any applicable assistance measures to all members of your household.

Please discuss with your household member if you have concerns regarding his/her disclosure status. If your household member now wishes to allow access to his financial information, please call the Healthcare Hotline at 1800-222-3399 (after selecting your preferred language, press 3, and then 2) or visit here and click “login to access your household information”.
 

7. Who are the members of the CareShield Life council?

The CareShield Life Council has been appointed on 1 April 2020 and has 14 members from a variety of disciplines (e.g. actuaries, investment/finance expertise, accounting/auditor, doctor, law, medical social worker, and union/grassroots).

8. What are the roles of the CareShield Life Council?

The CareShield Life Council will oversee the CareShield Life and ElderShield schemes, and provide advice/recommendations to the Minister for Health on the schemes.

The terms of reference for the CareShield Life Council are:

• Make recommendations on policy and scheme parameters, including premium and benefit adjustments, to ensure that CareShield Life and ElderShield schemes provide effective protection in an affordable and sustainable manner.
• Review the administration of the CareShield Life and ElderShield schemes.
• Advise on matters related to the investment of the CareShield Life and ElderShield Insurance Fund (CIEF), and other matters as the Minister for Health may direct.

9. What information will the administrators collect for the administration of CareShield Life/ElderShield?

The administrators will collect and use disability-related healthcare data from healthcare institutions, and confidential information in the possession of other Government departments or public authorities such as address, contact details, and bank account information.  

This will enable the administrators to proactively inform severely disabled individuals that they are eligible for claims and increase their convenience by pre-filling information such as bank account information in the application form. The administrators will also be able to check for the eligibility of an individual from the existing cohorts for auto-enrolment.  

Given the sensitivity of health information, individuals may opt out of the collection of health information, if they wish to, with some loss in convenience as they may be required to attend a separate disability assessment to receive a claim for CareShield Life/ElderShield or to join CareShield Life.

10. Under the CareShield Life and Long Term Care Act, what data will be shared and for what purposes?

Under the CareShield Life and Long Term Care Act, health information on insureds’ disability status will be used for assessing eligibility for other prescribed disability related Government schemes (such as MediSave Care, Home Caregiving Grant, Pioneer Disability Assistance Scheme etc.), for insureds’ convenience. This means that insureds can be automatically assessed for their eligibility for other Government schemes, without needing to go for another assessment or make another application. Individuals can opt out from the sharing of their health information with these Government schemes.

Confidential information on the insured e.g. address, bank account information can also be used for such other prescribed disability-related schemes, for the insureds’ convenience.

12. How often will CareShield Life be reviewed?

CareShield Life’s premium and payout adjustments will be reviewed regularly to account for factors like changes in claims experience and longevity. The Government will be advised by the CareShield Life Council on appropriate adjustments in accordance with an actuarially sound adjustment framework to ensure relevance and sustainability of CareShield Life.

13. How will the Government ensure transparency for CareShield Life?

CareShield Life, a long-term care insurance works by pooling together premiums paid by insureds in their younger years while most are still working. The premiums collected will be placed into the CareShield Life and ElderShield Insurance Fund (CEIF) and invested, so that there are sufficient funds for payout in old age, when insureds are no longer paying premiums and are more likely to suffer from severe disability. 

The CEIF will be administered by the Central Provident Fund Board and audited annually by an independent external auditor to ensure that all the monies are accounted for. 

Similar to MediShield Life, the Central Provident Fund Board’s annual report will include the financial information of the CareShield Life and ElderShield Insurance Fund. The annual reports will be made available on the Board’s website. The Government will also publish relevant information on the premiums collected and payouts made for the CEIF on an annual basis.

The CareShield Life Council will independently oversee the CareShield Life scheme and provide advice/recommendations to the Minister for Health on matters such as the investment of the CEIF, and sustainability and affordability of CareShield Life.

1. How will cognitive impairments be better recognised under the revised disability assessment framework for CareShield Life?

Under the new severe disability assessment framework and revised training curriculum, assessors will be guided more explicitly on the aspects to consider if an applicant is suspected to be cognitively impaired. As assessors are better equipped to take into account the impact of cognitive impairment on an applicant’s functional abilities, cognitively impaired applicants with higher levels of functional impairment will more consistently qualify for severe disability scheme(s).  

Applicants with dementia or other cognitive impairments will still need to undergo a disability assessment in order to qualify for severe disability scheme(s) payouts, as dementia/cognitive impairment could affect the applicant’s functional abilities to varying extents. The ElderShield disability assessment form today states that an individual’s cognitive capacity should be taken into consideration when an assessor is assessing ADL ability, but it is not clear how assessors should do so consistently. 

Under the new framework and revised training curriculum, assessors will be guided more explicitly on the aspects to take into consideration if an insured is suspected to be cognitively impaired. Assessors will therefore be better equipped to take into account the impact of cognitive impairment on an insured’s functional abilities, which will result in cognitively impaired insureds with higher care needs being able to more consistently qualify for CareShield Life claims.  

Insureds with dementia or other cognitive impairments will still need to undergo a disability assessment in order to qualify for CareShield Life claims, as their functional abilities may be affected in varying degrees by their cognitive impairment.

2. If my GP/my nursing home has assessed that I am disabled, why do I still need to visit an accredited GP for assessment?

Not all GPs would have undergone similar rigorous training programme to learn how to assess disability. A trained, accredited severe disability assessor will be able to assess whether you meet the CareShield Life/ElderShield claims criteria of being unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

If you are staying in a nursing home, you may approach your nursing home for assistance to submit the Resident Assessment Form in place of the severe disability assessment.

3. What kind of other functional assessment tools will be considered for CareShield Life/ElderShield assessments?

The Government is looking into how to recognise functional assessment tools which are well-recognised and commonly used in the healthcare and long-term care sectors, for example the Resident Assessment Form, the Modified Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure. To ensure that gatekeeping remains robust, these tools should be sufficiently detailed, such that an appropriate threshold for admitting claims can be mapped to the ElderShield claims criterion of severe disability.

5. Can the pool of assessors for CareShield Life/ElderShield be expanded to include any Singapore-registered doctor, therapist or nurse?

Severely disabled CareShield Life/ElderShield insureds who wish to apply for claims will need to undergo a severe disability assessment by a MOH-accredited severe disability assessor.

A trained, accredited severe disability assessor will be able to assess whether the applicant meets the CareShield Life/ElderShield criteria of being unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). We have expanded the list of accredited assessors to include therapists and nurses who have been trained.

All MOH-accredited assessors have undergone a rigorous training programme to learn how to assess a Patient’s level of disability. Through the training, assessors are equipped to assess an individual’s ability to perform the six ADLs, including specific components of each ADL to take into account, what factors to consider when an individual is cognitively impaired, and what should be done if any individual’s functional ability fluctuates over time. As this is a complex process, the training and accreditation is necessary to ensure that disability assessments are conducted with a high degree of rigour and consistency.

The Government is also looking into recognising equivalent assessments that have been performed by a qualified healthcare professional (doctor, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and registered nurses) providing care to the patient. In such cases, the patient need not undergo a separate severe disability assessment. Today, those who are staying in a nursing home can already approach their nursing home for assistance to submit the Resident's Assessment Form in place of the severe disability assessment.

MOH and AIC will progressively roll out the use of such equivalent assessments and will make the information available via MOH and AIC website.

6. Can the CareShield Life/ElderShield claims process be automated further, similar to how MediShield Life claims are automatically filed on behalf of an individual by the hospitals?

MediShield Life covers large bills incurred due to hospitalisation, so it is natural that hospitals automatically file claims on behalf of an individual.

CareShield Life/ElderShield provides monthly cash payouts that can be used for the benefit of a severely disabled insured. As the payouts will be paid to the bank account nominated by the insured, insureds or their caregivers will still need to be involved in the process of filing the claim. 

Notwithstanding this, the Government has streamlined the claims process to improve convenience for severely disabled insureds and their caregivers, by increasing the pool of assessors and progressively accepting equivalent disability assessments already conducted by the insured’s care provider. We have also made the claim application process more efficient, for instance, by introducing an electronic application system that severely disabled insureds and their caregivers can access via the internet. The portal, accessible via https://efinance.aic.sg, integrates the application for all MOH disability schemes into a single form. We will continue to review how the process can be further simplified, as we gain more experience in administering the scheme.

7. Do I need to pay for the CareShield Life disability assessment?

The fees for clinic-based and non-clinic-based severe disability assessments are $100 and $250 respectively.

If you are applying for CareShield Life
The assessment fee will be waived for the first severe disability assessment for CareShield Life claims, regardless of the assessment outcome. Otherwise, assessment fees will be reimbursed if the insured is assessed to be severely disabled. 

If you are applying for other severe disability schemes i.e. ElderFund, ElderShield, IDAPE, MediSave Care
The MOH-accredited severe disability assessor will conduct the severe disability assessment and collect an assessment fee from you. Assessment fees will be reimbursed if you are assessed to be severely disabled.

8. Under CareShield Life, do assessors assess an insured’s functional ability before or after the use of assistive devices?

Under CareShield Life, assessors assess an insured’s ability after the use of basic assistive devices, as this more directly measures the actual amount of assistance the insured needs from a caregiver, to help the insured with his daily activities.

However, the use of assistive devices is just one of the many considerations that assessors take into account. Other factors taken into consideration include the home and community environment, falls risk, impact of any cognitive impairment etc.

The Government provides funding for basic assistive devices through assistance such as the Senior’s Mobility Fund. We will review how we can better ensure accessibility to basic assistive devices for individuals who can benefit from them.

10. My family member is not able to sign on the CareShield Life claim form to authorise his claim as he is mentally incapacitated. What should I do?

As a caregiver, you may make an application and opt to receive the monthly payouts on behalf of your disabled family member who lacks mental capacity. In order to do so, you will need to be your disabled family’s member deputy appointed by the Court, or donee appointed under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), to manage his property and affairs. This requirement safeguards his interests.If your disabled family member does not have a donee or deputy, you can still apply for, and receive payouts on your family member’s behalf. However, to protect interests of your family member you will need to apply to be appointed as a deputy by the Court within 12 months of claims approval, failing which the payouts will be re-directed to your family member’s bank account, or suspended until a deputy has been appointed. AIC can provide you with further advice on the process of applying for deputyship.

12. I am receiving other disability assistance schemes such as Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme/Home Caregiving Grant. Can I qualify for CareShield claims?

Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) and Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) are moderate disability schemes, where the individual only needs to always require some assistance with three or more Activities of Daily Living. CareShield Life and ElderShield are severe disability schemes, where the individual needs to be unable to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living (i.e. require significant assistance) in order to make a claim.  

As the eligibility criteria for CareShield Life and ElderShield are stricter, insureds who are eligible for CareShield Life/ElderShield claims can automatically receive PioneerDAS or HCG payouts without going for a separate assessment (subject to meeting the other non-disability eligibility criteria for these schemes).

13. Why do I need to wait 90 days before getting my monthly CareShield Life/ElderShield payouts if I become severely disabled?

Currently, CareShield Life/ElderShield claimants are contractually required to wait for 90 days from the date of the assessment before receiving the first CareShield Life/ElderShield payout, a typical insurance practice known as the “deferment period”. This is intended to ensure that the severe disability is of a long-term nature before payouts are provided. The Government waives the deferment period for most cases, and selectively impose it where disability statuses are less clear-cut. This practice allows most claimants who are permanently severely disabled to receive their monthly payouts expeditiously, while still ensuring the sustainability of the scheme.

14. Can I use my existing functional assessment report (FAR) that was previously submitted for PioneerDAS and/or Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), to submit a claim for CareShield Life?

To qualify for severe disability schemes, an individual will need to be assessed by an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor to be unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The severe disability assessors use a different assessment tool from the FAR that enables them to capture the degree of assistance required for each ADL. To use this tool, an assessor has to undergo a rigorous training programme and be accredited by MOH. 

The FAR on the other hand is used to determine if one needs some assistance, or is fully independent, for each ADL. It is not intended to capture the degree of assistance required for each ADL. As such, the FAR is not suitable for severe disability scheme applications. However, the FAR can be used if you are only applying for mild and/or moderate disability schemes such as the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme or Home Caregiving Grant (HCG).

15. I am currently receiving the CareShield Life/ElderShield payouts. Can I also apply for Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?

If you are currently receiving CareShield Life/ElderShield payouts, you may also apply for Home Caregiving Grant (HCG). Since CareShield Life/ElderShield is a severe disability scheme, you may apply for HCG (moderate disability scheme) without going for a separate disability assessment. However, you would have to meet the other non-disability eligibility criteria for HCG:

a. Singapore Citizen. 
Permanent Resident can qualify if either a parent, child or spouse is a Singapore Citizen.

b. Not in a residential long-term care institution (e.g. nursing home).

c. Lives in Singapore.

d. Means-tested.

Household monthly income per person is $2,800 or less; or annual value of property for household without income is $13,000 or less.

16. I am insured under CareShield Life. However, I am not severely disabled. Can I apply for Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?

If you are not severely disabled but require some assistance with at least three out of six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), you may wish to apply for HCG (moderate disability scheme). You have to submit a Functional Assessment Report and meet the other non-disability eligibility criteria for Home Caregiving Grant (HCG):

a. Singapore Citizen.  
Permanent Resident can qualify if either a parent, child or spouse is a Singapore Citizen. 

b. Not in a residential long-term care institution (e.g. nursing home).

c. Lives in Singapore.

d. Means-tested.

Household monthly income per person is $2,800 or less; or annual value of property for household without income is $13,000 or less.

18. I am severely disabled. Can I use my existing disability assessment to qualify for CareShield Life/MediSave Care/ElderFund/IDAPE/ElderShield payouts?

Individuals who wish to apply for CareShield Life/ MediSave Care/ ElderFund/ IDAPE/ ElderShield payouts will need to undergo a severe disability assessment by an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor. A trained, accredited severe disability assessor will be able to assess whether the applicant meets the CareShield Life/ MediSave Care/ ElderFund/ IDAPE/ ElderShield severe disability criteria of being unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). We have expanded the list of accredited assessors to include therapists and nurses who have been trained.

All MOH-accredited assessors have undergone a rigorous training programme to learn how to assess an individual’s level of disability. Through the training, assessors are equipped to assess an individual’s ability to perform the six ADLs, including specific components of each ADL to take into account, what factors to consider when an individual is cognitively impaired, and what should be done if any individual’s functional ability fluctuates over time. As this is a complex process, the training and accreditation is necessary to ensure that disability assessments are conducted with a high degree of rigour and consistency.

The Government is also looking into recognising equivalent assessments that have been performed by a qualified healthcare professional (doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and registered nurses) providing care to the individual. In such cases, the individual need not undergo a separate severe disability assessment. Today, those who are staying in a nursing home can already approach their nursing home for assistance to submit the Resident’s Assessment Form in place of the severe disability assessment.

MOH and AIC will progressively roll out the use of such equivalent assessments and will make the information available via the MOH and AIC website.

23. Are there any alternative documents that I can submit for CareShield Life/ElderShield/MediSave Care claims instead of a severe disability assessment?

The Government is looking into recognising equivalent assessments that have been performed by a qualified healthcare professional (doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and registered nurses) providing care to the patient. In such cases, the patient need not undergo a separate severe disability assessment. Today, those who are staying in a nursing home can already approach their nursing home for assistance to submit the Resident’s Assessment Form in place of the severe disability assessment.

MOH and AIC will progressively roll out the use of such equivalent assessments and will make the information available via the MOH and AIC website.

24. Is there co-payment/subsidies for the CareShield Life disability assessment?

There is no co-payment for CareShield Life disability assessment. However, the assessment fee is waived for the first disability assessment for CareShield Life claims, regardless of the claim outcome. The assessment fee will also be fully reimbursed for individuals who are assessed to be severely disabled. Hence, severely disabled individuals will not be financially disadvantaged by the need to go for a severe disability assessment, even though no co-payments/subsidies are provided.

The upfront payment is intended to ensure that individuals only approach assessors if they are reasonably certain that they are severely disabled. 

The same disability assessment result can also be used by patients to apply for other disability schemes (e.g. HCG, PioneerDAS). If there is a need to go for a Functional Assessment Report to further assess your disability status after you have applied, AIC will inform you. 

25. Can my MediSave be used to pay for the CareShield Life severe disability assessments? 

MediSave cannot be used to pay for the cost of any disability assessments. 

However, all severe disability schemes (i.e. CareShield Life, MediSave Care, ElderShield, ElderFund and IDAPE) share the same disability assessment. If you are a CareShield Life insured and are undergoing a severe disability assessment for the first time, the cost of your first severe disability assessment by an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor will be waived. Otherwise severe disability assessments will be fully reimbursed if you are assessed to be severely disabled. AIC will send you a letter to inform you about details of the reimbursement and the account to which the reimbursement will be made.

26. Can an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor certify the applicant’s mental capacity for CareShield Life claims?

A mental capacity assessment can be completed by any doctor registered with the Singapore Medical Council. If you require a mental capacity assessment, you may wish to ask your assessor if he/she is able to perform a mental capacity assessment, before you proceed to make a disability assessment appointment. 

Depending on each Patient’s condition and requirements, some Patients may require a more detailed and/or complex mental capacity assessment that takes a longer duration to complete. In such circumstances, the assessor may charge an additional fee on top of the disability assessment.

31. I am already a donee/deputy of the Patient who is mentally incapacitated, what do I have to do/submit to AIC for the CareShield Life claims application?

The donee/deputy of the Mentally Incapacitated (MI) patient must indicate consent in the application Form to state that the donee/deputy is applying on behalf of the MI Patient.

Please also submit the following to AIC:

• If you are the Deputy

o A copy of the court order of Deputy Appointment

• If you are the Donee

o A doctor’s certification that the Patient lacks mental capacity, as part of the documents required to activate the Patient’s Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) 

If you are nominating a bank account belonging to a deputy (yourself or another donee/deputy) of the patient or a trustee of the patient, please submit the bank book or statement of the bank account you intend to nominate.

35. Why do I have to go through the quarterly survivorship check?

The quarterly survivorship check for an individual living overseas is to verify one’s continued eligibility for payouts. If you are required to undergo quarterly survivorship check, AIC will send you a letter to inform you when the review is required. Details on how to complete the quarterly survivorship check are included in the letter.

39. How long does it take for the severe disability assessment (conducted by an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor) fee to be reimbursed?

If you have been assessed to be severely disabled, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will usually reimburse the full severe disability assessment fee with the first payout.  

To expedite reimbursements, AIC will also attempt to reimburse based on existing records:

a) The bank account registered with a government agency (e.g. to receive GST credit payouts)

b) The bank account currently used to receive payouts for schemes administered by AIC

c) PayNow registered under your NRIC number

A letter will be sent to you to inform you about the outcome of the reimbursement.  Please note that AIC will attempt to reimburse for three months, failing which, the assessment fee will not be reimbursed.  To facilitate reimbursement, we encourage you to register your NRIC for PayNow or register a bank account with a government agency (e.g. bank account to receive GST credit payouts).

40. How are my monthly CareShield Life payouts determined?

Long-term care costs vary depending on one’s care needs and arrangements, whether the individual stays at home, goes to a care centre, or enters residential care. Each individual and his or her family may finance these costs differently depending on his or her financial resources and personal circumstances.

The starting payout from CareShield Life of about $600/month will enable Singaporeans to afford their basic long-term care costs by easing their out-of-pocket expenses as the payouts complement their personal savings (including MediSave) and family support. There are also existing government subsidies, assistance schemes, and community support, especially for lower income Singaporeans. Those who wish to have additional insurance coverage can also opt to purchase supplements on top of CareShield Life.

You are strongly encouraged to plan early and consider your future income, long term care arrangement preferences, and how much insurance coverage and personal savings will be needed to finance these arrangements.

41. Is the Government making it difficult to claim from CaresShield Life (e.g. 3 Activities of Daily Living criterion) in order to profit?

CareShield Life is targeted to provide basic financial protection in case of severe disability (i.e. unable to perform at least three out of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)). Keeping the claims criteria to three ADLs help to keep the premiums more affordable. 

Those who would like to have more financial protection against severe disability (e.g. higher benefits and expanded coverage) can purchase supplementary plans from commercial insurers. 

CareShield Life is managed by the Government on a not-for-profit basis. Any excess premiums will be used to benefit insureds, and there are legal safeguards to ensure the Government cannot divert CareShield Life and ElderShield Insurance Fund monies for non-prescribed uses.

1. What is long-term care?

Long-term care is the personal and medical care needed if an individual becomes disabled due to age or adverse health conditions. It includes a range of services which individuals may choose depending on their care needs and support available, either at home or institutions like nursing homes.

2. Why is CareShield Life/ElderShield necessary for Singaporeans' long-term care needs?

The need for long-term care will rise as Singapore's population ages. One in two Singaporeans who are healthy at age 65 is expected to become severely disabled by the end of their lives. 

Variation in the duration of severe disability and the accompanying costs of long-term care, coupled with shrinking family sizes in Singapore, make it increasingly challenging to rely solely on personal and family savings to pay for one's long-term care needs. The expected median duration for which severely disabled individuals remain in disability is around four years, but three in 10 remain in severe disability for 10 years or more

Long-term care insurance schemes like CareShield Life and ElderShield help Singaporeans to pool their risks together within their cohort so that each Singaporean within that cohort has basic financial protection against the uncertainty and variability of the cost of long-term care. They complement other long-term care financing sources, such as Government subsidies, Government assistance schemes, community support, personal savings and family support.

3. How much should I set aside for my long-term care needs?

Long-term care costs will vary across individuals due to differing care needs and arrangements.

Individuals will also have different financing sources. For instance, Singaporeans with higher incomes will qualify for a lower level of subsidies for their care, and will need to draw more from other financing sources. In addition to existing Government subsidies and assistance schemes, those who require additional funding can also make monthly cash withdrawals of up to $200 from their MediSave from 1 October 2020. You can also consider supplementing your basic CareShield Life/ElderShield insurance with private savings or Supplements from the private insurers.

You are strongly encouraged to plan early and consider your future income, long term care arrangement preferences and how much insurance coverage and personal savings will be needed to finance these arrangements.

4. How do I access long-term care services?

If you have long-term care needs assessed by qualified healthcare professionals, medical social workers and/or administrative staff at public hospitals and/or Government-funded long-term care service providers can assist you with your referral to long-term care services. They can also assist with your application for Government subsidies for long-term care services, and advise on the subsidy quantum you are eligible for.

You can also contact the Agency for Integrated Care at 1800-650-6060 or via the AIC website to find out more about long-term care services.

5. Where can I seek advice on financial planning for old age or seek financial assistance for long term care needs?

For an overview of options for long term care financing and services, you may visit the CareShield Life website (under “Long-Term Care Financing”) for more information.

If you wish to find out more about long term care services, specific Government subsidies for long-term care services and other Government assistance schemes for long term care that older Singaporeans (age 65 and above) may tap on, you may reach out to the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) through the AIC website or 1800-650-6060. You can also speak to a Care Consultant at AIC Links located at the public hospitals and Maxwell. For a list of AIC Link locations, visit the AIC website. 

For Government support schemes specifically for younger, disabled Singaporeans and their caregivers (age 65 and below), you may refer to the website here or speak to SG Enable at 1800-8585-885. 

For more information on retirement planning, Singaporeans can visit the following websites:

•CPF website to learn about CPF schemes.

•Are You Ready? outreach website to understand how CPF savings can support Singaporeans through the key stages of their life and learn how they can work towards a better retirement.

6. Are we eligible for higher subsidies if I/my family member am/is placed in a nursing home with higher fees?

For individuals who require nursing home care, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will work closely with the individual and family members to identify a suitable nursing home, taking into account the individual's needs and family's preferences, including financial considerations.

The Government provides subsidies to help with the costs of long-term care. The amount of subsidies each individual is eligible for is determined by means-testing and is not dependent on the fees charged by the nursing homes. Individuals from lower income households who meet the eligibility criteria will receive higher subsidies under the means-testing framework.

If you require additional assistance, you can tap on financial assistance schemes such as MediFund. Many nursing homes are also run by voluntary welfare organisations, and they may tap on charitable donations to provide further financial support to their residents after all other means of financial assistance and resources are exhausted.

8. I have mild or moderate disabilities or I can perform more than 3 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). How can I get help for my long term care costs?

If you have mild or moderate disabilities and need long-term care, you can tap on various means-tested Government subsidies and assistance schemes to complement your personal savings and family support.

Government-funded safety nets such as MediFund or ComCare will provide assistance to you if you are unable to pay for your care after Government subsidies and other means of support. The Government will continue to look at ways to support the needs of Singaporeans with less severe disabilities.

If you wish to find out more about long-term care services, specific Government subsidies for long-term care services and other Government assistance schemes for long term care that older Singaporeans (age 65 and above) may tap on, you may reach out to the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) through the AIC website or 1800-650-6060. You can also speak to a Care Consultant at AIC Links located at the public hospitals and Maxwell. Here's the list of AIC Link locations.

1. Who needs to declare their health status under CareShield Life/MediShield Life?

All new Permanent Resident (PR) applicants who have received In-Principle Approval for their Singapore Permanent Residence application are required to declare their health condition before proceeding to complete Formalities with ICA.

The health status declared will not affect their application for Singapore Permanent Residence.

All PR applicants, regardless of age, will be covered under MediShield Life. However, if the PR applicant is found to have serious pre-existing health conditions, he/she may be subjected to Additional Premiums of 30% for MediShield Life for 10 years, because  of his/her higher health risks.

If the PR applicant is born in 1979 or earlier and obtained permanent residency status on or after 1 October 2020, he/she will be insured under CareShield Life if he/she is not severely disabled. 

2. How do I submit the Health Declaration form for CareShield Life?

We do not accept the CareShield Life Health Declaration (HD) form via email or fax. Please submit the HD form online here > MediShield Life/CareShield Life Health Declaration for Permanent Resident Applicant, and log in using your Singpass. The HD form will be processed within seven working days upon receipt of your completed form.

*Please note that you will only be covered under CareShield Life if you are 30 years old or older based on your date of birth.

You selected: Declaring for Self

If you are the Person To Be Insured and you are aged 21 years or older, please select the option to declare for “Myself” under the section - Selection of Self or Family Member Declaration.

You selected: Declaring for Family Member 

If you are aged below 21 years, please get your parent/legal guardian to log in using his/her Singpass to the e-Service and select option to declare for “Family Member’ to declare the health status on your behalf. 

If you are aged 21 years or older but do not have a Singpass, please get your family member to log in using his/her Singpass and select the option to declare for ‘Family Member’ to submit the HD form on your behalf.

4. How do I submit the MediShield Life and CareShield Life Health Declaration for Permanent Resident Applicant form?

Please submit the MediShield Life and CareShield Life Health Declaration for Permanent Resident Applicant form online and log in using your Singpass.

You selected: Declaring for Self 

If you are the Person To Be Insured and you are aged 21 years or older, please select the option to declare for “Myself” under the section - Selection of Self or Family Member Declaration.

You selected: Declaring for Family Member 

If you are aged below 21 years, please get your parent/legal guardian to log in using his/her Singpass to the e-Service and select option to declare for “Family Member’ to declare the health status on your behalf.

If you are aged 21 years or older but do not have a Singpass, please get your family member to log in using his/her Singpass and select the option to declare for ‘Family Member’ to submit the HD form on your behalf.

You selected: No Singpass 

Alternatively, if you are not able to apply for Singpass or do not have a family member with Singpass that can help you submit the HD form online, you can write to us.

1. I have received a call claiming to be from CareShield Life. What should I do if this is a scam and my contact details are shared with the external agencies?

The CareShield Life Team does not contact members to request sensitive personal information or engage any external agencies to call members on CareShield Life matters. The CareShield Life Team will not disclose members’ contact details to external agencies without members’ consent.

If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone who claims to be from the CareShield Life Team, please be vigilant and do not provide your sensitive personal information (E.g. Singpass ID/password, bank account or credit card details). When in doubt, you may end the conversation with the individual and check with the organisation which the caller claims to represent directly. To verify the authenticity of such calls, you can call us directly at 1800 222 3399 or write to us.