Basis of Means-testing Assessment for Medical Subsidies Provided to Elderly Persons Living with Their Families

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health whether the means-testing assessment for medical subsidies provided to elderly persons living with their families can be based on the elderly person's own individual assets, savings or income, instead of being based on household income and taking into consideration the period of time for which the elderly persons have lived with their families and the total household expenses of the families.

Healthcare subsidies are means-tested using per capita household income (PCHI) to account for the overall financial resources of the household to support the household members. This helps to ensure subsidies are targeted at those who need them the most.

Elderly or retired persons living with their family may be means-tested into a higher PCHI tier. This is because the PCHI framework recognises that such seniors are likely to have access to financial support from family members in the same household. At the same time, these family members may also receive higher subsidies compared to those who have no elderly dependants, as the PCHI framework similarly recognises that they are supporting their elderly household members.

We recognise that PCHI may not adequately proxy the family circumstances of some patients. Those who face difficulties in paying for their healthcare expenses after subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave may apply for discretionary financial assistance, such as MediFund, at public healthcare institutions, where a broader set of factors beyond PCHI, would be considered.