The Merdeka Generation Package in a Nutshell
Announced in Budget 2019, the Merdeka Generation Package was introduced by the government to encourage active ageing and healthy living among Singaporean seniors. The Merdeka Generation Package aims to assist the generation of Singaporeans that grew up in the 1950s and 1960s by providing various perks to aid their future healthcare needs.
Who Qualifies for the Merdeka Generation?
You qualify for the Merdeka Generation Package if you:
- Are a Singaporean born on or between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1959
- Became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996
OR
- Did not receive the Pioneer Generation Package
- Are a Singaporean born on or before 31 December 1949
- Became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996
You may check your eligibility for the Merdeka Generation Package by logging onto the MyInfo website via SingPass. To view your Merdeka Generation e-card, log on to the LifeSG app via SingPass.
5 Benefits of the Merdeka Generation Package
Here are the benefits you can enjoy as part of the Merdeka Generation Package:
Benefit #1: $100 Cash Payout
Previously meant to be a one-off $100 PAssion Card Silver top-up for Merdeka Generation members, this was instead converted to a $100 cash payout directly transferred into their designated bank accounts in 2020 along with the Care and Support Cash Payout, to eliminate the need for physical redemption.
Singaporeans above the age of 60 are eligible for the PAssion Card Silver, and the benefits include:
- Concessionary fares on public transport (25% off adult fare)
- Active Ageing programmes by the People’s Association
- Points while grocery shopping at supermarkets
- Contactless payment at all EZ-link merchants
Benefit #2: MediSave Top-ups
In July 2020, both the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation received a total of S$255 million in MediSave top-ups. Merdeka Generation members are to receive $200 each year in MediSave top-ups from 2019 to 2023, which will be credited directly into their MediSave accounts.
Once received, the MediSave top-ups can be used to pay for MediShield Life premiums (see below) as well as other MediSave-approved insurance plans, hospitalisations, day surgery and approved outpatient treatments.
Read our guide on MediSave to find out what else you can use it for!
Benefit #3: Outpatient Care Subsidies
As part of the Merdeka Generation Package, seniors will be able to receive subsidies for enhanced outpatient care at:
- Polyclinics
- Public Specialist Outpatient Clinics (Public SOCs)
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics
Merdeka Generation CHAS Card
Set up by the MOH in 2000, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) allows Singaporeans to receive subsidies at participating CHAS dental and General Practitioner (GP) clinics.
All Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders are eligible for the subsidies provided under the CHAS. At CHAS GP clinics, seniors can enjoy special subsidies of up to $23.50 per visit for common illnesses and $520 in annual chronic subsidies. They will also receive subsidies of up to $261.50 per procedure for selected dental procedures at CHAS dental clinics.
Additionally, all Screen For Life health screenings are set at a fixed fee of $2 for Merdeka Generation cardholders.
Do remember to present your MG Card and NRIC along to enjoy these subsidies!
Polyclinics and Public SOCs
MG cardholders will receive an additional 25% off their remaining bill for subsidised services and medications at polyclinics and public SOCs.
To qualify for extra subsidies at public SOCs, you will have to be assessed and referred at a CHAS clinic first.
Benefit #4: CareShield Life Participation Incentives
Launched on 1 October 2020, CareShield Life is a national long-term care insurance scheme that provides basic financial support for individuals who are severely disabled.
If Merdeka Generation seniors opt to join CareShield Life between 2021 and 2023, they will receive an additional participation incentive of $1500, with a total incentive of $4000 to offset the annual premium payable that year, spread out evenly over ten years.
Individuals eligible for claims will get a cash payout of at least $600 per month, for as long as they are severely disabled.
Benefit #5: Additional MediShield Life Premium Subsidies
The MediShield Life health insurance scheme, administered by the CPF Board, helps people under the plan pay for large hospital bills and costly outpatient treatments.
Existing subsidies for the Merdeka Generation are as follows:
Image credit: gov.sg
Merdeka Generation seniors also get an additional 5% subsidy for annual premiums, which increases to 10% after you turn 75 years old (on top of existing subsidies). Your MediSave can also be used to pay for premiums in full.
Find out how much you need to pay for your MediShield Life premium with this calculator.
Live Your Best Life as the Merdeka Generation
As you and your loved ones get older, pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle makes a world of a difference for all. The Merdeka Generation package is just one of a few healthcare support options available to senior Singaporeans — from the Pioneer Generation Package to various other financial assistance schemes for the elderly and their caregivers.
