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To recognize and express gratitude to the Merdeka Generation for their endeavors, Singapore’s government has established the Merdeka Generation Package (MGP). In a sense, the MGP helps seniors from the Merdeka Generation achieve their goals as they enter their golden years by supporting them in maintaining good health and fitness levels and by giving them greater financial security about potential medical expenses.
After the government devised a solution to not only acknowledge but also sincerely reward those who have made significant contributions to our nation and built the foundation for upcoming generations, about 500,000 Singaporean nationals born in the 1950s would have their chance to ensure a decent financial future.
The Merdeka Generation Package, which the state presented as part of Budget 2019, aims to promote healthy aging and active retirement among the Singaporean elderly. With a variety of benefits to help with their future medical demands, this package aims to support the Merdeka Generation (MG) seniors who were born during the 1950s and 1960s.
You can check for your eligibility using your SingPass login under your MyInfo.
Generally, the Merdeka Package is offered to Singaporeans who were born in the 1950s and have seen the country develop from a third-world nation into what it is today. The Merdeka generation seniors have persevered through many challenges and struggles with the country, and now is the time for them to maximize the benefits of their work and effort. In essence, Singaporeans who: (1) were born between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1959, and (2) attained Singaporean citizenship on or before December 31, 1996, are eligible.
While, those elderly citizens who were born on or prior to December 31, 1949, gained Singaporean citizenship before that period, and were ineligible for or were not awarded the Pioneer Generation Package are also eligible for this package.
Given the numerous health problems and medical illnesses that affect elderly folks, they frequently need expensive medical treatments and hospital stays. Having said that, Singapore set up several systems for providing the Merdeka generation with financial assistance. As an MG senior, here are a few advantages that your elders can enjoy:
In order to avoid the requirement for physical redemption, the $100 PAssion Card Silver top-up that was originally intended as one of the Merdeka Generation benefits for the members was changed to a $100 cash incentive that was paid immediately into their specified bank accounts in 2020. Singapore citizens who are Merdeka generation cardholders may utilize their PAssion Card Silver for the following purposes:
Active Ageing programs
Subsidized rates on public transportation that include a 25% adult fare discount
Loyalty points in authorized groceries and supermarkets
Purchases at all EZ-link merchants
From 2019 through 2023, annual MediSave top-ups of $200 per will be distributed to Merdeka Generation members and transferred to their accounts. The MediSave top-up, essentially, can be employed to cover for MediShield Life premiums in addition to those of additional MediSave-approved healthcare plans, hospital stays, day surgeries, and authorized outpatient procedures once they have been secured.
In accordance with the MGP, elderly cardholders will also be entitled to receive special subsidies for superior outpatient care from Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Polyclinics, and Public Specialist Outpatient Clinics (Public SOCs).
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS): The incentives offered by CHAS GP clinics are accessible to all Merdeka Generation cardholders. In a way, the senior Singapore citizen is eligible for special financial assistance of approximately $23.50 for each visit for simple diseases and $520 annually for chronic diseases. For dental operations at CHAS dental clinics, they will additionally receive discounts of up to $261.50 for each procedure.
Polyclinics and Public Specialist Outpatient Clinics (Public SOCs): At polyclinics and public SOCs, members will get an additional 25% off the balance of their payment for subsidized treatments and prescriptions.
The ElderShield program has been improved with the CareShield Life long-term care insurance program, which is aimed at those with severe disabilities. Elderly individuals from the Merdeka Generation who choose to sign up for CareShield Life around 2021 and 2023 will start receiving a cumulative incentive of $4000 to cover the annual premium due that same year, distributed equally over 10 years if they choose it. Such a benefit will be paid to them in increments of $1500. Those who qualify for benefits will receive a cash payment of at least $600 monthly for as long as they remain severely incapacitated.
In essence, Medishield Life is a basic health insurance program that aids in covering large hospital bills as well as a few outpatient procedures like hemodialysis and chemotherapy. As an additional perk, elders from the Merdeka Generation are also entitled to an extra 5% subsidy in addition to the existing incentives, which rise to 10% once these folks turn 75.
Considering that the Merdeka Generation are far less likely to have access to resources and generated less revenue than younger generations, which made it harder for them to put money aside for medical expenses. For this population, which is approaching retirement age, the MGP offers additional assistance. Under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), MG seniors may claim their preferential discounts at polyclinics, subsidized Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) in community hospitals, dental clinics, and privatized General Practitioners (GP).
Essentially, adopting a healthy and physically active lifestyle benefits everyone, especially as we age. There aren’t many healthcare support alternatives accessible to elderly Singaporeans that have actually made a substantial difference, and the Merdeka Generation package represents one of them. Consider such inspiration to continue leading an active, healthier life and by taking the greatest possible care of yourself, you can age safely and contentedly. For all kinds of services catered to the elderly, check out Retiregenie’s eldercare services.
