Greek PM Alexis Tsipras might have announced a package of ‘social solidarity’ measures to alleviate about 158,000 low pensioners and underprivileged social groups, but it seems his plan is ineffective considering the benefits promised amount to 50mn Euros, while the cuts are 200mn. The measures he announced concerned 158,000 low pensioners who have had their supplementary EKAS benefit slashed since June 2015. The “pillars of solidarity”, as Tsipras dubbed the benefits include:
1. A complete exemption from medical costs for pensioners who suffered income cuts.
2. Exemption from withholding the 6% health contribution for pensioners eligible for EKAS who lost over 30 Euros.
3. Pensioners eligible for EKAS who have lost over 155 Euros will be included in the Monthly Prepaid Solidarity card program for purchased equal to 1/3 of their total income loss.
4. Pensioners with over 80% disability will retain the EKAS.
5. EKAS will be maintained for one of the two partners in the event both lose it.