S$180m in Medisave top-ups to be given to pioneers this year

ABOUT S$180 million in Medisave top-ups will be disbursed to Singaporeans aged 68 and above in 2017, the Ministry of Finance said on Monday.

The amount of Pioneer Generation Medisave top-up for each pioneer ranges from S$200 to S$800 annually for life, and forms part of the Pioneer Generation Package to thank pioneers for their contributions to the country.

This year, pioneers born between 1945 and 1949 will receive S$200, while those born between 1940 and 1944 will receive S$400. Pioneers born between 1935 and 1939 will get S$600, and those born in 1934 or earlier will get S$800.

The Pioneer Generation Medisave top-ups come in addition to the Medisave top-ups for Singaporeans aged 65 and above in 2017 - under the GST Voucher Scheme.

For instance, an older pioneer who is 85 years old this year, who lives in an HDB flat and does not own a second property will receive a total of S$1,250 in Medisave top-ups this year. This consists of S$800 in Pioneer Generation Medisave top-up and a S$450 GST Voucher - Medisave.

A younger pioneer who is 68 years old this year, who shares similar circumstances as the aforementioned older pioneer, will receive a total of S$450 in Medisave top-ups this year. This comprises S$200 in Pioneer Generation Medisave top-up and a S$250 GST Voucher - Medisave.

Pioneers may use these Medisave top-ups to pay for their Medishield Life premiums and other Medisave-approved insurance plans, hospitalisation, day surgery, and certain approved outpatient treatment including renal dialysis and chemotherapy.