Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor has announced that the Merdeka Generation Package benefits will be rolled out in two phases, July and November this year.

Starting in July, Merdeka Generation Package holders will receive

• $200 annual top-up to MediSave accounts and until 2023
• Additional MediShield Life premium subsidies, starting from 5% of annual premiums and increasing to 10% after they turn 75
• $100 top-up for the Merdeka Generation’s PAssion Silver cards – with no credit expiry

Come 1 November, the additional lifetime subsidies for outpatient care will kick in, with an additional 25% off subsidised bills at polyclinics and public specialist outpatient clinics. The Merdeka Generation seniors will also enjoy subsidies at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) general practice and dental clinics.

Additionally, the Merdeka Generation seniors will only pay $2 for health screenings under the Screen for Life programme.

The last benefit for the Merdeka Generation seniors will be implemented from 2021, when CareShield Life is available for the existing cohorts. An additional $1,500 participation incentive will be extended to them for joining the scheme, on top of the $2,500 previously announced. This brings the total incentive to $4,000, which will offset annual premiums for 10 years.

Dr Khor added that eligible Singaporeans will receive notification letters by April 2019.

Meanwhile, a 23-member task force has been formed to communicate the benefits of the Merdeka Generation Package. The task force, co-chaired by Dr Khor and and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Sim Ann, is expected to raise awareness of the benefits under the Merdeka Generation Package, the Ministry of Health said.

Called the Merdeka Generation Communications and Engagement Task force, it will ensure effective communications and outreach, and involve people from the public, private and people sectors including self-help groups and hospitals, said Dr Khor.

The task force had its first meeting two weeks ago. She added that the task force will intensify its communications and ground engagement efforts in the coming months to effectively reach out to the Merdeka Generation and their families. Silver Generation Ambassadors will visit eligible Merdeka Generation seniors at their homes, workplaces and community-based events to share with them the details of the package, she said.

Image Credit: PM Lee Hsien Loong Facebook