Email link to a friend Printable version Introduction As part of its continuous mission to benefit heart patients, the SHF has established a funding scheme for needy heart patients and patient self-help groups. Needy Cardiac Patients There are three specific areas where needy cardiac patients may require financial assistance:     Mechanical Heart Device   Patients receive a 65-80% subsidy for the implantation of mechanical heart devices, using the Health Science Development Fund from the Ministry of Health. However, the balance cannot be paid using the patient’s existing Medifund. Patients with financial constraints can apply to the SHF for help in paying for their mechanical heart devices. Examples of implantable devices for which financial assistance are given are ECMO, ABIOMED, THORATEC and HEARTMATE. The SHF provides a subsidy of up to $20,000 to defray the cost of each patient’s mechanical heart device. Further funding beyond this limit is subject to review by the SHF.     Emergency Relief Fund   Some patients are the sole breadwinners in their respective families. After being caught unawares by the sudden occurrence of their cardiac condition, these patients may be unable to resume their former jobs after treatment, and may face difficulty finding a replacement job. Others may also suffer a loss of income due to taking time off from work to attend cardiac rehabilitation programmes or routine doctors’ follow-up appointments. To help such patients adjust during these periods of income loss, the SHF offers an Emergency Relief Fund. Under this scheme, the SHF provides $300-$500 per month for a maximum period of 3 months for each patient following the treatment of their heart condition. Further funding beyond the stipulated period is subject to review by the SHF.     Heart Transplant   For patients undergoing heart transplant, they are entitled to the Heart Transplant Subsidy from the Ministry of Health. As there is a maximum cap on this subsidy, patients who are unable to settle the outstanding balance of their heart transplant expenses and subsequent follow-up treatment can request for additional financial support from the SHF. The SHF will assist each heart transplant patient up to a maximum of $20,000. Further funding beyond this limit is subject to review by the SHF. All applications for the SHF’s Heart Support Fund must be made through the patient’s designated Medical Social Worker (MSW) at his hospital. The MSW will then assess and process the application according to the SHF’s eligibility criteria. Patient Support Groups The SHF encourages patients to form Patient Support Groups that give peer support to heart patients adjusting to life after a heart attack. Patient Support Groups should reinforce their members’ knowledge of heart health and cardiac rehabilitation. They should also offer their members emotional support and the shared experience of having suffered a heart attack at their meetings. Such social interaction through group activities will give heart patients renewed confidence in life. Groups seeking support may refer to the eligibility criteria. Financial assistance for their activities will be assessed based on these criteria. All applications for the Heart Support Fund should be submitted to: Singapore Heart Foundation 9 Bishan Place Junction 8 (Office Tower) #07-01 Singapore 579837 Attn: Manager, Programmes Should you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at Tel: 6354 9348 or by email at info@heart.org.sg.   Back to top