Non-working elderly will still enjoy subsidy

21 Nov 2008, Today

Question

Name of the Person: N T S Chopra

Be compassionate to elderly when planning healthcare policy

I REFER to "What happens if you are retrenched?" (Nov 17).

It is good to know that the Means Testing scheme will be implemented with "flexibility and compassion" for retrenched employees.

There is another important slice of society, senior citizens, which deserves special consideration. Those aged 65 or 68 or 70 — whatever age the Government deems suitable — and above should be exempted from the scheme. They should continue to enjoy at least the existing subsidies. In fact, they should be given more concessions, such as further reductions for hospital charges, including for medicine.

By showing special consideration and extending special concessions to these senior citizens, the Government would make happy a large number of citizens.

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Mr Chopra would like us to "Be compassionate to elderly when planning healthcare policy" (TDY, Nov 19) by allowing the senior citizens above 65 to enjoy the current full subsidy.

For the non-working elderly, full subsidy will be extended to them if they live in household type with annual value below $11,000. Such households make up 80% of households and include all HDB flats. Status quo will also prevail for those working and earning below $3,200 per month.

For those who need additional assistance, we will certainly take a flexible and compassionate approach.