CareShield Life Statistics and Severe Disability Prevention Measures
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns CareShield Life claimant statistics and preventive healthcare strategies to reduce severe disability, as raised by Dr Choo Pei Ling. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung reported 2,179 active claimants as of June 2025, with major causes including strokes, accidents, chronic conditions, and progressive illnesses like dementia. The age profile is currently younger due to the scheme’s 2020 introduction, with 44% of claimants aged between 30 and 49 years old. Healthier SG is highlighted as a primary strategy to prevent chronic diseases that often lead to severe disability and long-term care requirements. Furthermore, Age Well SG serves to manage and delay frailty, supporting seniors to age within their communities without the need for extensive long-term care.
Transcript
32 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding CareShield Life (a) how many active claimants are there by (i) 10-year age groups for example 30-40 years and 40-50 years and (ii) by types of major causes, such as accidents, strokes and hereditary diseases; and (b) what preventive healthcare strategies are in place to help reduce the incidence of severe disability in each age and vulnerability group.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: As of June 2025, there are 2,179 active CareShield Life claimants. Of which, 6% were aged 80 years and above; 18% were aged 70 to 79; 15% were aged 60 to 69; 17% were aged 50 to 59; 23% were aged 40 to 49; and 21% were aged 30 to 39. As CareShield Life was introduced only in 2020, and optional for those born in 1979 and earlier, the claimant profile tends to be younger for now.
Among claimants, the typical causes of sudden onset of severe disability are stroke and accidents resulting in hip or other fractures. Severe disability can also develop gradually through chronic conditions, like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, or progressive illnesses, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.
There are a number of national initiatives to encourage good health and healthy ageing amongst our population. For instance, Healthier SG supports Singaporeans to lead healthier lifestyles and prevent the onset of chronic diseases, which are often precursors for long-term care needs. Age Well SG, our national strategy to support seniors to age well in their homes and communities, helps to prevent, manage and delay frailty, allowing more of us to live without long-term care.