Bay coverage set for health vouchers

The government will extend coverage of the elderly health care vouchers to hospitals in the Greater Bay Area in a move that will also cover dental services as well, sources said.

This came after politicians have been demanding the government extend the usage of the vouchers from currently only covering Hong Kong hospitals and the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital or its subordinate clinics to cities across the border that have more Hongkongers living there.

In his policy address, Chief Executive John Lee will be proposing a cross-border elderly care service, giving another option for the elderly to enjoy life in retirement in the Greater Bay Area, sources said.

One of the policies would be extending the coverage of Hong Kong's elderly health care vouchers to also cover top-tier hospitals in the Greater Bay Area, and set up standards with relevant hospitals to facilitate Hongkongers living in those cities.

"However, the government is facing heavy resistance in using Hong Kong's elderly health care voucher to purchase mainland's medical insurance, as it involves use of Hong Kong's welfare funds to purchase welfare benefits in the mainland," sources said.

An elderly Hongkonger, Tam, who lives in Guangzhou, said it was time-consuming to seek medical help in Hong Kong or Shenzhen and that he usually sees doctors in Guangzhou at his own expense. It would be more convenient if he can use the voucher in Guangzhou.

"I have to return to Hong Kong every three to four months to see a doctor, and collect drugs for over three months. If I cannot return, I will have to pay the fee myself in the mainland," Tam said, adding he could not use up his health care voucher entitlement.

The Federation of Trade Unions said there are 500,000 Hongkongers living in the bay area and hopes the government first expands the voucher scheme to top hospitals in Zhongshan, Guangzhou and Dongguan.

"The Grade 3A hospitals in the mainland can provide high-quality services and have high standards. Expanding the use of the voucher in such hospitals can ensure the safety of Hongkongers and give them confidence," said chairman Kingsley Wong Kwok.

Wong also said it would not be too hard to use the voucher at more mainland hospitals as the mainland had advanced e-payment systems.

FTU Legislative Council member Aron Kwok Wai-keung also said the expansion of health care vouchers in the mainland will improve elderly welfare as the waiting times at hospitals here were too long.

Legco member Peter Koon Ho-ming also said the government must promote cross-border elderly care as the SAR is facing an aging population.

Other than the extended coverage on the elderly health care vouchers, it is understood that the government is also looking at promoting growth of a "silver economy," involving technology and other products dedicated to the elderly to release their consumption potential.