Possibility of Seniors Purchasing Assistive Devices with CPF or Government-endorsed Financing Arrangements

21 Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Health whether there can be consideration as part of the Active Ageing agenda in allowing seniors to finance the purchase of assistive devices that counter ageing-related deterioration and enhance seniors’ work productivity, such as hearing aids, via their CPF monies or Government-endorsed financing arrangements with approved device providers.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Government provides a range of financial support schemes to defray the cost of assistive devices for seniors: (a) the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund provides subsidies for assistive devices that support seniors to age-in-place; (b) vouchers of up to $200 per set of assistive devices, such as spectacles, hearing aids and dentures, are available for seniors who participate in functional screening through Project Silver Screen; and (c) for assistive devices that are also medical implants listed on the Implant Subsidy List, subsidised patients in public healthcare institutions will be eligible for subsidies.

Patients may also tap on MediShield Life and MediSave to pay for implant costs, subject to prevailing criteria and limits.

Applicants who require further financial assistance may approach their healthcare providers or visit any Agency for Integrated Care Link.