HEALTH Minister Khaw Boon Wan has given the following information on the proposed means testing:

Patients will be allowed to choose whichever class ward they want.

The rich will pay more than the poor in a subsidised B2 (left) or C class ward.

Assessment of a person's ability to pay will be kept simple.

It will be sensitive to the needs of the elderly.

Ability to pay will be assessed on personal income for those who are working, and on housing type for those who are not.

The difference in subsidy will be graduated, perhaps with as little as a one percentage point difference between levels.

The subsidy in a C class ward will range from at least 65per cent to 80per cent.

Avenues for appeal will be set up to make the system flexible, so people who feel they need greater subsidy can have recourse.

No patient will be denied medical care because he can't afford it.