From June 2019 onwards, members of Singapore’s Merdeka Generation would begin receiving packages containing their Merdeka Generation card, an information pamphlet and a message of thanks from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
With this, members of the Merdeka Generation can begin enjoying the full benefits first announced during the National Day Rally 2018. The intent of the Merdeka Generation Package (MGP) was to honour and thank the Merdeka Generation for their contributions to Singapore and give them greater peace of mind on their healthcare costs as they live out their silver years.
Here’s what you need to know about the Merdeka Generation Package, including who’s eligible and what they will stand to receive.
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Who Qualifies As Part Of The Merdeka Generation?
Around 500,000 Singaporeans are eligible for the Merdeka Generation Package.
You’re eligible to receive the Merdeka Generation Package if:
You were born between 1 January 1950 to 31 December 1959 AND
You became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996.
In addition, the Merdeka Generation Package is also given if:
You were born on or before 31 December 1949 AND
You became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996 AND
You did not already receive the Pioneer Generation Package.
If you are eligible, you would already be notified by April 2019. You can also check your eligibility to qualify for the Merdeka Generation Package.
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What Are The Benefits Of The Merdeka Generation Package?
In the Singapore Budget 2019, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat gave details about what members of the Merdeka Generation can look forward to receiving. The package will consist of five parts, which we will explain in turn.
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Benefit #1: PAssion Silver Card Top-up
The first Merdeka Generation Package perk is a one-time top-up of $100 to your PAssion Silver Card, which you can use for active ageing programmes, payment for entry to ActiveSG swimming pools and gyms, for public transport and making payment to merchants that support EZ-Link.
Top-ups can be redeemed from 1 July 2019 at selected Community Centres, MRT stations, bus interchanges, and selected Merdeka Generation roadshows and events. For more information, you can visit the PAssioncard website.
Benefit #2: MediSave Top-ups Of $200 Every Year For 5 Years
Members of the Merdeka Generation can look forward to a total of $1,000 in MediSave top-ups. This will be disbursed over 5 years starting in 2019 and lasting until 2023.
As you know, funds in MediSave can be used for a wide range of healthcare needs, including paying for hospitalisation, surgery, health screenings, and premiums for MediShield Life/CareShield Life/ElderShield.
Read Also: Your Complete Guide To Healthcare Financing In Singapore
Benefit #3: Enhanced CHAS Subsidies For Visiting GPs, Dentists, Polyclinics And Outpatient Treatment
With their Merdeka Generation card, seniors will enjoy enhanced special CHAS subsidies when visiting GPs and dentists for life, regardless of household income.
Source:Merdeka Generation Website
They can also enjoy an additional 25% off subsidised bills at Polyclinics and Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs).
Read Also: Complete Guide To The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
Benefit #4: Additional MediShield Life Premium Subsidies
Seniors of the Merdeka Generation will also enjoy additional MediShield Life premium subsidies for life, starting from 5% and increasing to 10% after you reach 75 years old. MediShield Life is a mandatory health insurance plan that provides basic protection to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents against large hospital bills for life.
Read Also: Beginners Guide To Understanding How MediShield Life Works
Here are the amount of subsidies Merdeka Generation seniors can look forward to receiving:
Source: Merdeka Generation Website
* If your MediShield Life policy is due for renewal between 1 July 2019 and 31 October 2019, you will receive the Merdeka Generation premium subsidy as a refund by 31 December 2019.
# There are already premium subsidies available to lower and middle-income families. You can visit the Ministry of Health’s website for more details.
Benefit #5: Enhanced Participation Incentives To Join CareShield Life
CareShield Life is an enhancement of the current ElderShield scheme and will be available from 2021 onwards to those born in 1979 or earlier.
There are already participation incentives of up to $2,500 given to Singapore Citizens in existing cohorts (born in 1979 or earlier) who join CareShield Life in the first two years from 2021.
These participation incentives come in the form of premium subsidies spread over 10 years. On top of this, Merdeka Generation members will receive an additional $1,500 in participation incentives – making a total of $4,000, spread over 10 years.
To gauge how much premiums you’ll be paying, you can use the CareShield premium calculator.
Read Also: CareShield Life Vs ElderShield: Understanding The Differences Between These Two Policies
More Information About Merdeka Generation Package Benefits
In order to learn more about the various Merdeka Generation Package benefits, seniors can head to one of the Merdeka Generation roadshows, where there will be trained staff on hand to answer queries and assist in applying for/resetting SingPass accounts, as well as interactive activities with prizes for the whole family.
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