Percentage of Citizens who Have Applied to Transit to CareShield Life

62 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Health (a) to date, what is the percentage of citizens who have applied to convert into CareShield Life; (b) whether the participation incentives may be extended beyond 31 December 2024; and (c) what else can be done to reach out and make the conversion process easier for citizens.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: As of June 2024, more than 304,000 Singaporeans born before 1980 have signed up to join CareShield Life (CSHL). About three-quarters have upgraded from ElderShield plans.

For Singaporeans who were born before 1980, we have decided to give them the option to convert, based on their needs and circumstances. Participation incentives were introduced, but they have to be time-limited to encourage early enrolment into CSHL and discourage procrastination.

Last year, the Ministry of Health introduced a final extension of participation incentives by another year to continue encouraging sign-ups. Participation incentives of up to $3,000 over 10 years will be provided to all Singaporeans born before 1980 to offset premiums, as long as they sign up for the scheme by 31 December 2024.