Health subsidies: Additional assessments require more detailed info

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 24 November 2014

Health subsidies: Additional assessments require more detailed info

MR DAVID Soh Poh Huat wrote about subsidies for his friend's father who was admitted to Changi General Hospital ("Review criteria for means testing"; Nov 6).

All Singaporeans who choose B2- or C-class wards at public hospitals receive subsidies of up to 80 per cent for their stays.

Mr Soh may be referring to subsidies for Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) services after discharge from CGH.

The Ministry of Health's ILTC subsidies are based on the applicant's per capita household income, that is, total household income divided by the number of household members.

Where there is no household income, such as where households comprise only retirees, the annual value of the applicant's residential property is used as a proxy for wealth.

This allows the Government to target more subsidies at those who need more help.

Where applicants believe the outcome of our assessment of income or property value does not accurately represent their means, medical social workers will work with them and their families to better understand their circumstances, to assess eligibility for further financial assistance.

These additional assessments require more detailed information on one's financial situation, such as the patient's assets and personal savings.

CGH is in touch with Mr Soh's friend and is ready to assist with further assessment for financial assistance should he decide to provide the necessary information.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

Lim Ee Guan
Director, Corporate Affairs
Changi General Hospital

Forum Letter

The Straits Times, 6 November 2014

Review criteria for means testing

RECENTLY, my friend's father, a pioneer citizen, was admitted to Changi General Hospital. As he was a retiree who had purchased a landed home 50 years ago for about $20,000, he was informed that he did not qualify for means testing as he was living in landed property.

His family insisted that he undergo means testing, which he failed. They then asked if they could make an appeal, and were told that they would have to provide information on his bank account balance.

Bank account balances should not be used as criteria for granting medical subsidies to retirees.

The money there may seem a lot, but this is to support them for the rest of their lives, as they have no more funds coming in.

I hope the Health Ministry can look into this.

David Soh Poh Huat