Just curious, is Medifund for life? Or does it get reviewed every year for eligibility like Comcare? Anyone knows what is the criteria?

My aunt lost her job due to cancer treatment. She applied and was successful for the last 2 years. I think Medifund used to be very strict and you have to exhaust every means eg sell off your property before you can apply. My aunt is turning 65 next year and will be eligible for CPF payouts as well as Lease BuyBack scheme. Just worried that she might lose her Medifund.

Hmmm, just sharing my thoughts. Definition: MediFund is a safety net for patients who face financial difficulties with their remaining bills after receiving government subsidies and drawing on other means of payments, including MediShield Life, private Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), MediSave and cash.

So I believe this is a case-by-case basis, i.e. when your aunt is undergoing the treatment requiring to make payment and indicated that she cannot afford then the social worker will request for supporting doc e.g. bank statements, income evidence, subsidies she is receiving, bills, CPF statements. They assess income and expenses from there and work out whether she is still eligible for the Medifund assistance.

The Medifund is for those with financial difficulties, i.e. honestly cannot afford the medical expenses totally. If your aunt become eligible for CPF payout + lease buyback and can afford partial/full medical treatment cost, then the rest of the benefit should be given to others. Or since you have pre-empt she probably needs the $$, can save a small amount monthly for her (e.g. $50/mth), it will come in handy.