Seniors ‘need not worry’ about affordability of healthcare

SINGAPORE — A day after the Workers’ Party (WP) criticised the Government for not doing more to help the elderly, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday listed the various schemes in place to cater to this group and pledged that more will continue to be done.

He also responded to the suggestion — by WP Punggol East by-election candidate Lee Li Lian — that Singaporeans above 75 be allowed to use their Medisave funds without restriction, saying much care has to be taken as the funds may be needed when the seniors grow older.

“We have to be mindful that these are very important savings of the elderly and they’ll continue to need the savings as they grow older,” said Mr Gan, who was guest-of-honour at the Foochow Association’s installation ceremony of its 2013-2014 executive council.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, he said it was “more important” for the Government to look at seniors’ needs and help those who have financial difficulties through the Medifund Silver scheme, for instance.

Medifund is an endowment fund set up by the Government in 1993 to help needy Singaporeans pay for medical care, including outpatient treatment. In November 2007, Medifund Silver was launched to help elderly Singaporeans aged 65 and above with their medical expenses.

Mr Gan assured that “senior citizens will always receive the necessary healthcare services without (having to) worry about affordability”.

Without referring to the WP’s comments, which were made at its rally on Tuesday evening, he cited schemes like the Enhancement for Active Seniors, Medisave top-ups for seniors and the Community Health Assist Scheme catering to the older demographic.

The Enhancement for Active Seniors scheme provides subsidies for home improvement like slip-resistant treatment for bathroom floor tiles to those aged 65 and above

Meanwhile, the Community Health Assist Scheme enables lower-income older Singaporeans to seek subsidised treatment at participating private general practitioner and dental clinics.

The Government will “continue to do more” and encourage clans and community associations to continue with their programmes for the elderly, said Mr Gan.