
Understanding CPF Insurance Schemes
I am speaking at a seminar next month regarding the various CPF insurance schemes available for CPF members.
Are you confused by the various CPF insurance schemes that you invariably enrolled in if you contribute to CPF? Do you know what options you have for these schemes? How does one utilise his/her CPF to obtain better coverage?
The talk would be useful in helping attendees understand various CPF insurance schemes such as DPS, Medishield, as well as Eldershield which is pertinent for people above 40, or individuals with parents above 40 who are financially dependent on them.
There is currently an early-bird discount until 1st May 2013.
Changes to Medishield from March 2013
Medishield is going to undergo several changes effective from March 2013. The most notable of these changes would probably be the increase in premium rates across the board for all age bands.
People between their twenties and fifties will see an increase of about 100% in the annual premium for Medishield. A person in his twenties used to pay $33 per year for Medishield coverage. This would double to $66. The premium rates for people in their thirties and fourties have been increased from $54 and $114 to $105 and $220 per year respectively.
There is also an increase in the deductible payable by the insured for Class B2 and C wards, i.e. the amount payable by the insured upon admission to these wards before Medishield coverage kicks in is increased. The previous deductible of $1,000 for C ward and $1,500 for B2 ward is increased by $500.
Topping Up CPF (and my TV Appearance)
Singaporeans should be quite familiar with our Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts.
The Ordinary Account (OA) is mainly meant for housing and investment. The Special Account (SA) is primarily for old age and retirement-related investments. The Medisave Account (MA) is reserved for payment of medical bills and approved insurance schemes. At age 55, the savings in OA and SA form the Retirement Account (RA), which as the name suggests, is to provide for retirement.
CPF SMRA Minimum 4% Interest Extended to 31 Dec 2012
The government has decided to further extend the minimum 4% p.a. interest on Special, Medisave & Retirement Account (SMRA) until 31 Dec 2012. Money in SMRA which forms the first $60,000 of a CPF member’s combined balances will continue to earn 5% p.a.