'Everyone should get same share'
Details of the Pioneer Generation Package will be revealed this afternoon when Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivers the Budget speech.
About 450,000 Singaporeans will benefit from this year's focus on the country's pioneers.
Think of it as a thank-you to those who sacrificed so much in the early years of Singapore's independence.
With health-care in the forefront of the minds of older Singaporeans, the package offers benefits that cover different types of health-care needs.
Citizens 65 years old and above will enjoy the perks for life.
The New Paper speaks to three members of the Pioneer Generation to find out what the most pressing question they have of the package is and their views on it.
RETIRED NURSE
JOYCE KHNG, 75
Her main question: "Will I get fewer subsidies or annual Medisave top-ups if I'm on the pension scheme? Or will my pension be cut as a result of this package?"
Her views on this issue: "It would be good if those eligible get the same subsidies and benefits. It would even be better if we can get cash.
"But how will it be funded? Where will the money come from? I hope they don't cut people's pensions (to fund the new benefits)."
RETIRED ENGINEER GABRIEL KOH, 71
His main question: "What steps is the Government taking to ensure that MediShield Life premiums remain affordable for ordinary Singaporeans like me?"
His views on this issue: "A lot of us are not on MediShield. For those who are, the premiums get more expensive as you grow older.
"Perhaps the more senior ones can get higher subsidies or use more from their Medisave to cover the premiums."
RETIRED PORT SECURITY OFFICER
H. QUEK, WHO TURNS
65 THIS YEAR
Her main question: "Will everyone in this generation get the same amount, regardless of our backgrounds?"
Her views on this issue: "It's fairer for everyone to get the same share. But the more well-off may not need the benefits because they already have enough. Will there be an opt-out clause for them?
"Maybe we can look into setting up a pool for these people who prefer to donate their share to the financially needy?"
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