Survey finds over 83pc of seniors concerned about hospital fee reform

A survey showed over 83 percent of seniors expressed doubts or concerns regarding the recent hospital fee reform, with some not fully comprehending the details of the proposed plans.

Caritas Services for the Elderly interviewed approximately 1,000 seniors from last Tuesday (Apr 2) to Monday (Apr 7). Over 800 respondents rated their level of concern at 6 or above (on a scale of 10), primarily worrying about the increase in medical costs, particularly the burden on low-income families with chronic illnesses.

Additionally, it is revealed that 22 percent of the seniors either did not completely comprehend or had limited knowledge of the amended plan.

Common areas of confusion included the medical fee waiver mechanism and the new HK$10,000 cap on inpatient and outpatient charges. 

Meanwhile, nearly 60 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction or strong dissatisfaction with the reform plan, with over 760 individuals believing the government had not adequately considered the seniors’ needs.

The association recommended that the government hold Q&A sessions to address seniors’ concerns over the fee reform, as well as to simplify the application process for the medical fee exemptions, for instance, enabling the elderly who receive the Old Age Living Allowance to automatically qualify for fee reductions without the need to submit an application. 

To enhance transparency in the reform, the association suggested shortening the review period for the medical fee reforms from two years to one year.