SINGAPORE — A panel will be set up to assess appeal cases wishing to be included in the Pioneer Generation Package, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday.

He did not indicate if any appeals had been received since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the criteria for the package two weeks ago at an Istana tribute party, but said there may be individuals who marginally miss out but have “good claims to be counted among the Pioneer Generation”.

“We will hence establish a panel to assess appeals on a case-by-case basis,” said Mr Tharman.

Singaporeans born before 1950 and who became citizens before 1987 qualify for the healthcare-centred package.

The Government wants to provide more for other older Singaporeans, he said.

Besides MediShield Life premium subsidies and enhanced subsidies for Specialist Outpatient Clinics, Singaporeans aged 55 and above this year who do not qualify for the Pioneer Generation package will receive a Medisave top-up of between S$100 and S$200 a year over the next five years.

Of this group, those living in public flats will receive S$200 a year. Those whose homes have an annual value of more than S$13,000 or who own more than one property will receive S$100 a year.

Businessman Desmond Tan, 55, who does not qualify for the Pioneer Generation Package, called the Medisave top-ups for his generation a good gesture. “They (the Government) don’t have to give us anything,” he said.

He added that those above the age of 65 need more help, especially when some are no longer working or are facing more health issues because of age.