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Staff confusion muddles switch to pioneer scheme

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).

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Gay Swee Poh

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.

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