Daily Lessons from Life 09 February 2014 - 450,000 S'poreans eligible for Pioneer Generation Package

"450,000 S'poreans eligible for Pioneer Generation Package - CNA 10 February 2014

SINGAPORE: The Pioneer Generation Package will be for Singaporeans who will be 65 years or older by the end of this year and who became citizens before 1987.

About 450,000 Singaporeans will be eligible for the package, which will help them cope with their healthcare costs for the rest of their lives.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled some details of the Pioneer Generation Package on Sunday.
He described it as a "sincere expression" of the country's gratitude for the contributions of its pioneers.
Many among the pioneer generation were migrants who came to Singapore to start new lives.
They were part of the anti-colonial struggle, the battle against the communists, and the separation from Malaysia and independence in 1965.
Despite difficult times, they started Singapore on its path of development, which transformed the lives of the entire population.
On Sunday, more than 1,000 Singaporeans who represent the pioneer generation were honoured at the Istana - the official residence of the president.
The event was the first of a series of celebrations to mark Singapore's 50 years of independence in 2015.
Mr Lee said the government has consulted widely about what would be meaningful and helpful to the pioneer generation.
As healthcare is at the top of the minds of older Singaporeans, Mr Lee said the pioneer generation package will thus focus on healthcare benefits.
The package will give financial support in three important areas, and the pioneer generation will enjoy these for life.
Firstly, there is greater support for the pioneer generation so that their premiums for MediShield Life are kept affordable.
There will also be help for their outpatient bills, with extra subsidies at polyclinics, specialist outpatient clinics and general practitioners under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
There will be additional annual top ups to their Medisave accounts to help with their medical needs.
He added that those who are older will get more.
Mr Lee added: "This is a special package for a special generation. No matter how we design the package, it can never fully reflect the contributions our pioneers have made to our nation. Nevertheless, I hope you will accept it as a sincere expression of our gratitude, and I hope that it will be of help to you and to your families."
For those who do not meet these eligibility criteria for the package, Mr Lee assured them the government will continue to take care of them in many other ways.
Mr Lee said: “The biggest tribute we can pay to the pioneer generation is to build on your legacy. You have been tested by crises and proven by your resolves.
“Now, it's our generation's task to carry on and take further what you began, to stay true to your pioneering spirit - self-reliant, never-say-die and united in purpose, and to re-dedicate ourselves to building our nation and take Singapore to greater heights.”
The full details of the Pioneer Generation Package will be announced during the Budget on February 21."

This Pioneer Generation Package (PGP) is a recurring support for the Pioneer throughout his or her life time. A big commitment indeed.

Lessons for me are:

1. good that the Government is stepping up to recognize its obligation to take care of the old and needy people. It will have to manage the national budget to ensure that it is self-funding and well funded;

2. hopefully, more than 50% of the 455k Pioneers have done well enough for themselves like ex-MM Lee, ESM Goh, ex-civil servants, ex-CEO, ex-doctors/accountants/lawyers/engineers/bankers/etc AND/OR their kids have done so well as to accumulate wealth ordinary Singaporeans can only imagined, WILL or CAN contribute their share to their fellow Pioneers who REALLY need the PGP. :-) That will be nice;

3. some people in the cyberspace already talked about the Government will have to find a way to fund this PGP and 'may' raise taxes, etc. This may be pre-mature as personally I believe the Government has enough to return from our national reserve money to fund this yearly PGP, which will decrease over the years as the Pioneers gradually find their eternal peace. Still, if the concerns of the PGP may be funded from higher taxes on ordinary Singapore tax residents, the government can and should elaborate in the detail announcement on 21 Feb 2014 Budget Speech to allay any such fears!

Whatever it it, MY conviction is still: the government MUST take care of the needy, and old, citizens without making their kids to carry the burden when their kids are NOT making ends meet themselves! It is the STATE's responsibilities primarily. Of course, the needy and the old, will help themselves to be healthy as much as possible and be productive. Actually come to think of it: why won't anyone want to be healthy and productive in old age if one can help it!