More Financial Assistance For Step-Down Care

29 Jun 2002

Patients who require step-down care will soon receive more financial assistance to help them cope with their medical expenses. With effect from 1 July 2002, eligible patients in Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) community hospitals (CHs) can enjoy a subsidy of up to 75%. At the same time, the Medisave withdrawal limits (MWLs) for patients in CHs and hospices will be increased, resulting in lower out-of-pocket cash payments by these patients.

Three-Tier Subsidy Framework

Currently, patients in VWO CHs receive a subsidy of 50% while only patients on Public Assistance enjoy a 75% subsidy for their stay in CHs.

From 1 Jul 2002, a three-tier subsidy framework will apply to all patients in CHs. Under this framework, the patients in CHs will be means-tested and those with the least ability to pay will receive the highest level of subsidy, as follows:

Per Capita Income* Subsidy level

$0 to $300 75%

$301 to $700 50%

$701 to $1,000 25%

More than $1,000 0%

*total family income divided by total number of family members

4. The three-tier subsidy framework is not new. It was first implemented in the VWO nursing homes in July 2000, and has since been extended to other follow-up care facilities such as hospices. It is now further extended to CHs. Experience with the subsidy framework has been positive. The subsidies given to VWO nursing homes are channelled to the most-deserving patients.

Patients who face difficulty in paying their bills should see the Medical Social Workers in the VWO CHs for financial assistance.

Increase in Medisave Withdrawal Limits

In addition, to minimise patients' out-of-pocket cash payments, the annual MWL for CHs will be increased from $3,000 to $3,500. The revised Medisave annual limit would apply with effect from 2002 onwards. The daily MWL of $150 will remain unchanged.

The daily MWL for hospices will also be increased from $125 to $160 with effect from 1 July 2002.