Means-testing not likely in the next two years: Health Minister
By Lyn Lee Foo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 May 2006 2003 hrs

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Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says means-testing will not be implemented in the next two years as originally planned.

He was responding on Wednesday to a Workers' Party's concern over the criteria to be used for means-testing.

Mr Khaw said: "The criteria? I don't know. I honestly don't know. I don't tell lies like some people. You don't want to implement a scheme that is so complicated, that it costs so much to do thorough means-testing. Then whatever you save, you have to now pay more for administrative costs. Now, that additional cost, someone has to bear it."

Visiting residents in Admiralty on Wednesday, Mr Khaw said means-testing will only happen once a fair, cost-effective, thorough, yet simple system is in place.

Means testing refers to a method to calculate healthcare subsidies patients can receive, based on what they can afford.

It aims to reach out to those who need subsidies the most. - CNA/ch

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