This will bring the amount they will get to $550, higher than the $450 promised by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in this year's Budget.

The extra money is aimed at helping them to meet the higher cost of MediShield premiums.

With the planned improvements to the basic national health insurance, people aged 81 to 85 will pay between $30 and $40 more a month in premiums.

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan last night said the increased top-up from the Government will enable them to meet this higher call on their Medisave accounts.

The top-ups are for people 51 years and older, and start from $150. The extra $100 for those above 80 years old will cost the government $206 million, up from $200 million.

Mr Ying Cheok Sing, an 82-year-old pensioner, was pleased: 'Of course, I'm happy to get more money.'

The hike in MediShield premiums is set for the year-end. It ranges from less than $3 to $10 a month for people up to the age of 80.

Speaking to 350 grassroots leaders at The Grassroots' Club at Ang Mo Kio last night, the minister said that with this final tweak, MediShield will pick up 80 per cent of huge subsidised bills, up from about 60 per cent today.

Many of the dozen questions from the audience last night showed a woeful ignorance of how the insurance scheme works.

They included requests for patients' portion to be lower for a second hospitalisation in a year. It already is. Others wanted 'no-claim' rebates. If those who are well get their money back, then who will pay for those who are sick, asked the minister.