Written Answer to PQ on Coverage of pre-existing health conditions under HPS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2435 AND 2440 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON 9 JANUARY 2024
QUESTION NO. 5256 AND 5260 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

NMP: Mr Ong Hua Han

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there are persons with disabilities who are covered under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) currently; and (b) whether the Central Provident Fund Board will consider extending HPS to cover all persons with disabilities holding employment at the time of application to ensure that their homes are protected in the event of future total permanent loss of physical functions.
To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the current number of rejected applications for Home Protection Scheme (HPS) coverage due to applicants not meeting the good health requirement; and (b) what pre-existing medical conditions have been deemed serious such that HPS coverage will not be offered.

Answer:

1.In line with industry practice, eligibility for the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) coverage is individually assessed based on the overall severity, prognosis and control of the medical condition as well as the individual’s health risk profile. This approach ensures the affordability of premiums for the majority of members and the viability of the scheme.

2. HPS currently already provides coverage for members with pre-existing health conditions, including persons with disabilities, after being assessed to be generally in good health.

3. In the last three years, about 1.2% of HPS applications were not approved due to serious pre-existing medical conditions. Generally, members who are currently receiving treatment for serious medical conditions such as cancer, stroke and kidney failure, are not eligible for HPS.