We refer to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) reply “Health subsidies: Additional assessments require more detailed info” (Straits Times forum, Nov 24) to David Soh Poh Huat’s letter “Review criteria for means testing“, Nov 6).

All Singaporeans can choose B2 or C class?

It states that “All Singaporeans who choose B2- or C-class wards at public hospitals receive subsidies of up to 80 per cent for their stays.

– Is the reply somewhat misleading or giving incomplete information?

Is it not true that a patient who is referred by a private clinic is not allowed to choose B2 or C-class wards?

If this is the case, the omission of such an important piece of information may result in patients not being able to get subsidised treatment.

As to “Mr Soh may be referring to subsidies for Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) services after discharge from CGH.

The Ministry of Health’s ILTC subsidies are based on the applicant’s per capita household income, that is, total household income divided by the number of household members.

No income – means test on home address?

Where there is no household income, such as where households comprise only retirees, the annual value of the applicant’s residential property is used as a proxy for wealth.”

– Why can’t the reply be a more straight forward one? Is it true than those staying in a private property even if they do not own it, will fail the means test outright?

“Further financial assistance”?

With regard to “Where applicants believe the outcome of our assessment of income or property value does not accurately represent their means, medical social workers will work with them and their families to better understand their circumstances, to assess eligibility for further financial assistance.

These additional assessments require more detailed information on one’s financial situation, such as the patient’s assets and personal savings.”

What exactly is this “eligibility for further financial assistance”?

Is it referring to Medifund?

Criteria is secret?

If this is the case, why not tell us what is the criteria?

Is it true that all family members’ Medisave accounts’ eligible for withdrawal must be exhausted – and total savings cannot exceed a certain amount ($4,000?)?

Reply never answer the question?

In essence, the reply did not address David Soh Poh Huat’s question and issue at all, as he had asked “Bank account balances should not be used as criteria for granting medical subsidies to retirees.

The money there may seem a lot, but this is to support them for the rest of their lives, as they have no more funds coming in.

I hope the Health Ministry can look into this.”

Standard ending – we are in touch to help you further?  

In respect of “CGH is in touch with Mr Soh’s friend and is ready to assist with further assessment for financial assistance should he decide to provide the necessary information.”

– Instead of this “standard” reply – why not tell us what is the outcome?

Did he receive any assistance at all?