The Merdeka Generation package is a collection of benefits and discounts aimed at assisting Singaporeans born in the 1950s under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). These Merdeka Generation, together with the Pioneer Generation (born before 1949), contributed greatly to developing Singapore in an era of strife and hardship.
The package was thus introduced to honour and reward the Merdeka Generation by supporting their active ageing and reducing medical bills as they age. The benefits range from ageing programmes to public transport.
Today, we are going to explain how this subsidy works for dental services, and how you can get started using them.
Can I Use My Merdeka Generation Package for Dental Care?
Yes, you can use the package for dental treatment. The Merdeka Generation Package (MGP) allows you to receive special subsidies for medical and dental treatment. This includes common illnesses (such as cough and cold), chronic conditions and dental procedures.
This is important as dental care plays a key role in enjoying a good quality of life as you age. A 2016 survey found that almost 1 in 3 Singaporeans aged 60 and above had no teeth at all.
However, tooth loss is not inevitable. You can protect your teeth with good oral care and regular check-ups. Furthermore, those with missing teeth can get teeth replacement options, allowing them to eat, speak and laugh with confidence.
Thus, dental care is beneficial for ageing gracefully.
Who is Eligible for the Merdeka Generation Package?
You are eligible for the MPG card if you are:
- A Singapore citizen born from 1 Jan 1950 to 31 Dec 1959
- A Singaporean who became a citizen on or before 31 Dec 1996
- A Senior born before 1950 and did not receive the Pioneer Generation package
If you’re not sure, click here and use this form to check your eligibility. Eligible citizens would have received their Merdeka Generation cards in 2019 via mail.
What Are the Dental Subsidies For the Merdeka Generation?
The Merdeka Generation will be subsidised on the same range of dental treatment services as the Pioneer Generation. The types of services covered include:
- Extractions
- Fillings
- Dentures
- Crowns
- Root Canal Treatment
- Scaling & Polishing
- Topical Fluroide Application
For the full list of services, you may refer to the MOH website for more information: www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/community-health-assist-scheme.
Do These Dental Subsidies Apply to All Dental Clinics?
You can use your Merdeka Generation card at participating dental clinics. If you’re not sure which dental clinic is participating, use the clinic locater provided by CHAS.
With this tool, you can check if your chosen dental practice is participating by searching for their name, as shown below.
Alternatively, you can search for the clinics that are closest to your location. Simply tick “Search by address”, fill in your address, and select “Dental”. Then, you can scroll down to view the list of clinics.
The Dental Studio is a CHAS participating clinic, and you may use MPG card at any of our three locations in Paragon and OUE Downtown Gallery.
How Do I Use the Merdeka Generation Card to Subsidise My Dental Treatments?
The good news is that the process is simple. Simply bring your Merdeka Generation card along and present it to the clinic when you are there. They will provide you with an itemised bill with the costs for your dental treatment clearly outlined.
In Summary
You can use the Merdeka Generation Package (MPG) card to subsidise your dental care if you are eligible for it. Simply bring your card along when you visit the dentist. You should visit the dentist for a dental check and clean twice a year to ensure healthy teeth and gums; maintaining and restoring teeth allows you to speak and eat with confidence.
