PER CAPITA HOUSEHOLD INCOME STILL BEST BASIS FOR MEANS TESTING

We thank Ms Emily Yap Yong An for her letter “Using household income for subsidies disadvantages multi-generation families” (Oct 3).

We acknowledge that per capita household income (PCHI) is not the perfect basis for means testing. However, it is the best we have. Using individual income is also not ideal as it does not differentiate retired seniors with different financial situations. Using total household income is also unfair as it will disadvantage families with large households and a higher number of income-earners.

Patients whose PCHI may not accurately reflect their household circumstances can seek assistance from their healthcare institution. Their situation will be assessed based on all relevant factors.

Lee Yi Min
Director, Subsidy and Subvention
Ministry of Health