Pioneer Generation can apply to be subsidised patients at SOCs

MOH’s Reply

Pioneer Generation can apply to be subsidised patients at SOCs

18 Sep 2014

We refer to recent letters on the experiences of some Pioneer Singaporeans with the rollout of the Pioneer Generation Package healthcare benefits.  We are sorry that some members of our Pioneer Generation did not receive the appropriate guidance and advice at our public healthcare institutions.  We have contacted the individuals concerned to make the clarifications, and facilitated the submission of applications for those who are seeking to switch from private to subsidised patient status.

Since 1 Sep 2014, lower- to middle-income Singaporeans at subsidised Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) may apply for means testing to benefit from higher subsidies of 60% or 70% . Pioneer Singaporeans who are patients at subsidised SOCs will receive another 50% off, on top of this. From 1 Jan 2015, Pioneer Singaporeans will receive a further 50% off the bill for subsidised drugs at subsidised SOCs and polyclinics. Only subsidised patients are eligible for these subsidies. Private patients, including those who are Pioneer Singaporeans, are not eligible. 

Pioneer Singaporeans who are currently private patients, and who wish to enjoy these subsidies, can submit an application to switch to the subsidised SOC. To do so, they can obtain an application form from the SOC when they come for their appointment, or request for it to be sent to them.  The application form used is the same as that used for applying for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cards because the information needed is the same.

Pioneers who are not currently patients at the public hospital subsidised SOCs, but wish to seek care at them, should first consult a primary care doctor at the polyclinic or a CHAS general practitioner. If needed, the doctor will refer them to the SOC as a subsidised patient.

We have reinforced awareness of the process at the frontlines of our public healthcare institutions and hotlines. We will redouble efforts to work with our frontline colleagues to welcome our Pioneers.

Ms Lim Bee Khim

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health

TODAY Letters

1. More clarity needed on subsidies for pioneers

by Steven Lo Chock Fei, 12 Sep

Expectations of the Pioneer Generation Package’s financial benefits have been raised, but my initial experience was a disappointment.

I had received materials informing me that I would get an extra 50 per cent off my bill for subsidised services at polyclinics and specialist outpatient clinics from Sept 1.

But the subsidised bill for my latest monthly treatment at a specialist outpatient clinic was the same as before.

“Services” is a general term and can be interpreted to include services authorised by specialist doctors, such as monthly injections, blood tests, laboratory investigations, X-rays, bone mineral density scans and magnetic resonance imaging.

If certain services are not included, these should be stated clearly. If the list is too long, the Health Ministry should state only what is included, to help the public manage their expectations and reduce unnecessary unhappiness with the package.

2. Conditions for switch to pioneer scheme should be clarified

Mr Lim Keve Seng, 13 Sep

My father, my wife and I have been paying full rates to see an eye specialist at the National University Hospital (NUH) and I read in the newspapers that pioneers such as us can request a switch to the subsidised scheme.

When I made the request to the hospital on the phone, I was met with several hurdles. I was told to see the doctor personally or go to the hospital to fill in a form. I asked for the form to be posted to us, but this was refused.

My experience is in stark contrast to the picture that has been painted.

Was it a communication breakdown between the Government and the NUH or were the staff just being unhelpful? If there are conditions to be met before we can switch to the subsidised scheme, the authority should make it clear, so that hopeful pioneers do not meet with disappointment later.

3. Staff confusion muddles switch to pioneer scheme

by Gay Swee Poh, 16 Sep

I received a Health Ministry letter recently, about the Pioneer Generation benefits from Sept 1, and share the same frustration as voiced in the letter “Conditions for switch to pioneer scheme should be clarified” (Sept 13).

To enjoy the pioneer subsidy at specialist outpatient clinics, a private patient can contact the clinic for assistance to switch to subsidised care. So I went to the Singapore General Hospital on Friday.

At the pioneer scheme counter, I was given a Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) application form. Although I insisted that I was ineligible for CHAS, I was told I had to submit the application to enjoy the pioneer subsidy.

I called the hotline listed in the form. The person who responded was also surprised, as CHAS has nothing to do with my request. He advised me to seek the help of the hospital’s medical social worker.

That was even more confusing. As a last resort, I called one of the lines listed in the ministry’s letter. The lady who answered my call was also surprised at the whole episode.

In the end, I am still wondering how to make the switch. The ministry or the hospital should make it simpler and less cumbersome.

4. Confusion over need for means testing to get pioneer subsidy

by Lau Teng Wang, 17 Sep

I encountered a similar situation on Monday as related in the letter “Staff confusion muddles switch to pioneer scheme” (Sept 16).

When I approached the receptionist at the urology centre in the same hospital to downgrade my patient status from private to subsidised, so that I could benefit as a pioneer, she told me to fill in a means test form.

There has been no mention of means testing to obtain the pioneer subsidy, and I told her I had received a letter from the Health Ministry stating I need only to contact the hospital to make the change.

She then advised me to see the doctor on my appointed date in November, as only the appointed doctor can make the change.

I am not convinced this is the correct procedure.