Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced an insurance scheme to provide financial assistance to the severely disabled and unable to take care of themselves.

As a result of aging and illnesses, 1 in 12 elderly persons suffer from disabilities. This makes them incapable of doing simple everyday activities. Thus they require long term care to help financially with their expensive expenses. Every month, Eldershield provides them $300 cash payout (for up to 60 months) to those who are unable to do 3 or more activities of the following Activities of Daily Living – washing, feeding, dressing, toileting, mobility and transferring. This sum is greatly useful in reducing financial burdens of the patient and their family members as it can be used for paying medical expense and nursing in their homes or institutions

Initial Launch
All Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident CPF Account holders between the age of 40 to 69 as at of 30 September 2002 will receive a package at the initial launch (June 2002). Inside the package contains a welcome letter, health declaration form, an options form, an information booklet, the policy document and an opt-out form. You are automatically enrolled when you receive the package except for those who opt-out before 30 September 2002 or those who are disabled. The disable will be considered for financial assistance with the Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) also set up by MOH. Monthly cash payouts of $100 or $150 (for up to 60 months) will be given by the IDAPE to households fulfilling the income criteria. No payment is needed to make under IDAPE.

Steady state
All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents CPF Account Holders will be automatically insured after the initial launch when they reach the age of 40. They will also receive the same package as those in the initial launch.

Premium
Eldershield provides affordable premiums for all. They can be paid in cash and through the policyholder’s Medisave account or the accounts of their spouse, parents, children or grandchildren. People between age 40 and 55 at the initial launch will pay yearly premiums until the age of 65 under the Regular Premium Plan. Those between the ages of 56 to 69 can pay their premiums over 10 years under the 10-year Premium Plan; subsidies will also be received from the government for Singapore Citizens. Premiums will be paid on the Regular Premium Plan for the steady state. Amendments to premium plan can be made before the date of commencement.