Instead of just three levels of subsidy pegged at 25, 50 and 75 per cent, there will soon be eight levels ranging from 10 to 75 per cent for those at different income groups.

This means that one in four patients, whose incomes cause them to miss a subsidy band will receive subsidies only 10 per cent less of the current 25 per cent difference.

The upper limit for subsidy will also go up from a per capita income of $1,300 to $1,400.

This is expected to assist about 300 patients a year who now do not get any subsidy, said a Health Ministry spokesman.

For example, a family of four with a total income of $5,300 currently receives no financial help from the Government. With the changes, they will enjoy a 20 per cent subsidy.

The same family type with an income of $1,400 now get a 50 per cent subsidy on their hospital bill. With the change, the subsidy goes up to 75 per cent.

Permanent residents get 10 per cent less subsidy than citizens across the board.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.