Seven in 10 citizens aware of pioneer generation package; Govt to step up outreach

To share more details about the Pioneer Generation Taskforce, the Co-Chairs of the Pioneer Generation Taskforce on Communications and Outreach, SMS Josephine Teo (right) and SMS Dr Amy Khor (left), holds a joint interview session with the media.&nbsp
To share more details about the Pioneer Generation Taskforce, the Co-Chairs of the Pioneer Generation Taskforce on Communications and Outreach, SMS Josephine Teo (right) and SMS Dr Amy Khor (left), holds a joint interview session with the media. Seven in 10 Singaporeans have heard of the pioneer generation package, a Government survey conducted last month has shown. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Seven in 10 Singaporeans have heard of the pioneer generation package, a Government survey conducted last month has shown.

But out of the 1,500 citizens polled, two-fifths were not aware of the package's healthcare benefits, said Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo on Monday.

"Awareness does not necessarily translate into greater assurance that healthcare costs will be more affordable," said Ms Teo.

The package's benefits include Medisave top-ups and subsidies for outpatient treatment, and will see the Government paying for part of seniors' MediShield Life premiums.

To improve outreach efforts, more non-English materials will be developed. Messages will be kept simple and be repeated in different ways such as at getai performances which are popular with senior citizens.

Ms Teo, along with Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor, co-chairs a taskforce that aims to raise awareness of the $8 billion pioneer package.

It will benefit some 450,000 Singaporeans aged 65 and above this year, and who became citizens before 1987.

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