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Means testing is a way to focus limited resources for needy Singaporeans, by channeling it to those who need it most. It was first implemented at government funded nursing homes in 2000 and at other intermediate and long term care facilities since 2001. Means testing has been introduced in its public hospitals since 1st January 2009.
Rationale For Means Testing:
As services in subsidized wards (B2 and C) improve, the differences between them and the Class A and B1 wards become less apparent. Higher-income individuals who can well afford less subsidy, may then opt for B2 and C class wards, potentially crowding out lower-income patients. Means testing is a means for allocating these subsidies in a fair manner based on income group.
How Will It Be Done?
Assessment for entitlement to subsidies will be done based on tax-declared incomes or, for non-working patients, the value of their homes.
Whilst income disclosure is not made mandatory, patients who choose not to disclose incomes, will have their subsidies minimized, similar to that of the highest income group – currently 50% for class B2 and 65% for class C wards.
How Much Will You Have To Pay?
“We have decided to set the criteria (for means testing) more loosely so as to mitigate the impact on those who may be affected. About 60% of Singaporeans will continue to enjoy the same hospitalization subsidies” Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan (Lianhe Zaobao, 4th March 2008)
If you earn $3200 per month, or less, you will continue to enjoy the full subsidies of 65% for B2 class, and 80% for C class. This means that up to 60% of Singaporeans will continue to enjoy the full subsidies.
If you ear more than $3200 per month, you will receive slightly less subsidies for B2 and C class based on a sliding scale. Permanent residents are entitled to 10% less subsidy than Singapore citizens for the same income bracket. Foreigners do not receive any subsidy at public hospitals.
Monthly Income
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Class C Subsidy for Citizens
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Class B2 Subsidy for Citizens
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$3200 and below
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80%
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65%
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$3201 - $3350
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79%
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64%
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| $3351 - $3500 |
78% |
63% |
| $3501 - $3650 |
77% |
62% |
| $3651 - $3800 |
76% |
61% |
| $3801 - $3950 |
75% |
60% |
| $3951 - $4100 |
74% |
59% |
| $4101 - $4250 |
73% |
58% |
| $4251 - $4400 |
72% |
57% |
| $4401 - $4550 |
71% |
56% |
| $4551 - $4700 |
70% |
55% |
| $4701 - $4850 |
69% |
54% |
| $4801 - $5000 |
68% |
53% |
| $5001 - $5100 |
67% |
52% |
| $5101 - $5200 |
66% |
51% |
$5201 and above
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65% |
50% |
For patients without income (retirees, full-time home-makers, the unemployed and children), the value of their residential properties will be used to determine their subsidy level. If their properties have an annual value of $11,000 or less, they will continue to receive full subsidy. Most HDB flats fall under this category.
“We will be flexible at the margins to help those who may appear to be of high income but who have exceptional financial liabilities such as many dependants or a family member with a critical illness.” Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan (The Straits Times, 4th March 2008)
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