Would you prefer if your neighbour lives near you, or away from you?

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As a child growing up in Singapore, I was used to living in close quarters with my neighbours. I didn’t like to bring my keys around – I was afraid to lose them. I used to remember sitting on my slippers outside home, then having my neighbours invite me into their houses.

That’s the beauty of living in Singapore heartlands. You don’t have sheep or animals as neighbours, or only have your neighbour 7 miles down the road. You have them, right by you.

Singapore Matters shared a story about Mr Chua, who may not be as handsome as the “Shop Theft is a Crime” cardboard standee policeman or Captain America, but definitely proving that every man, or woman deserves a hero in your weakest moment.

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Mr Chua’s bravery shielded his elderly neighbour from the blows of her son when he gets angry. Her son suffers from mental health issues, and whenever he turned aggressive, she would run to his house – always open – to seek for refuge.

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By knowing our neighbours beyond the everyday hello in the lift, it makes it easier to empathise with each other and temper such situations with kindness. We understand why others react the way they do – maybe curry brings back bad memories, or someone’s a very light sleeper. We can relate better to one another, and realise that hey, maybe, we all have fears, struggles and aspirations; and like each other, we all want that helping hand in a moment we most needed it.

In another incident where family was the perpetrator of hurt, one that saw how citizen journalism was actually useful instead of just stomping on others (pun intended). A Mohammad Juani Ali, helped exposed terrible deeds a 58 year-old lady was subjected to. The daughter and husband of an old lady had abused the old lady, slapping her, pulling her hair, hitting her with a broom. Sometimes, blood does not run thicker than water.

We are neighbours not by chance, but we are friends by choice.

These “Steady Neighbour” posts [1], [2] reminds us what it means to  be a Steady Neighbour (:

Remember, living in an urban environment, and interacting with others might bring about problems. It is however, essential to manage and bridge these differences. 

MediShield Life – What you need to know about it to be set for, well… LIFE.

We’ve all heard it – MediShield Life was launched on 1 November 2015. This scheme was rolled out with the aim of protecting all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents against large medical bills for life, regardless of their age or health condition.

Despite all the anxieties on the affordability of this new scheme, the Gahmen will help ensure MediShield Life premiums remain affordable by everyone through various premium subsidies and support measures.

Have some burning questions about MediShield Life?

Lai lai, let us give you the lowdown on what’s the buzz about MediShield Life.

1) Come again, what is MediShield Life?

As the name suggests, it covers you for life. Coverage for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents has already started automatically on 1 November 2015.

No application needed as it already includes those currently covered by MediShield, private health insurance plans, the uninsured and those who may already have serious medical conditions.

You been to watch Cirque Du Soleil? MediShield Life is just like the safety net below the acrobats to cushion their fall, which in our case are the large medical bills.

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2) I can't afford the higher premiums how?

Fret not, the Government will offer subsidies for lower and middle income groups. Besides, our annual MediSave contributions are more than enough to pay for these premiums. Don’t worry!

If you are Pioneer Generation, even more hosay! Coz you will get additional subsidies!!

With the Pioneer Generation Subsidies and Medisave top-ups, all Pioneers will pay less for MediShield Life than for MediShield today.

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3) Is the coverage good or not?

 If you are happy to share a ward with others in a public hospital and is not choosy with the doctors attending to you. You are definitely well-covered :))

If you are more ATAS, there is always the Integrated Shield Plan (IP), which is already owned by many Singaporeans who can afford higher premiums. These private hospitalisation plans consists of a basic MediShield component and an additional private insurance component. 

As such, there is no duplication in coverage between MediShield and IPs.

Need more assurance on IPs? Check with your agent lor! He/she will inform you of the total premium that you have to pay, including the portion of premium for MediShield Life. They will settle for you and channel this portion of premium for MediShield Life to CPF Board. There will be no double payment of the MediShield Life premium.

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4) How do I know how much my premiums will cost?

There’s a premium calculator online to help you calculate the estimated premiums payable after subsidies. Hosay right?

Click here to calculate your premiums. 

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5) Can I go for plastic surgery or dental treatment with my MediShield Life coverage?

Well, let’s just say that the scheme covers more of the costs of critical illness treatments such as chemotherapy, implants and kidney dialysis as compared to the previous MediShield scheme. 

I mean, what’s the use of Andy Lau’s nose when your kidneys don’t work like they used to before?

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6) Is there a lot of “hair-pulling” paperwork involved?

Applying for subsidies is easy peasy! The Government will use the information already in their databases to determine your eligibility for the Premium Subsidies.

The subsidies will be applied AUTOMATICALLY.

When you wanna submit your claims, just inform the staff member at public hospital handling your admission that you wish to claim from MediShield.

So simple, right?

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Still have more questions about MediShield Life?

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This is a public service announcement: 

You may either look for one of the 400 grassroots leaders who attended a dialogue with the Health Minister to better explain the policy to you.

Or alternatively, you may make an appointment in advance at selected Community Clubs and Residents’ Committee (RC) Centres to have a free one-on-one MediShield Life consultation with a volunteer from the Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS). It is currently avaialble at the following GRCs:

• Ang Mo Kio GRC
• Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
• Chua Chu Kang GRC
• Marine Parade GRC
• Nee Soon GRC 
• Tampines GRC

The consultation sessions are held every Monday between 7pm and 9.30pm. 

We “gope” the above info from the Channel News Asia reports;p hehe…

Don’t say we never share ya!!