Means testing may frighten even more Singaporeans to choose lower class subsidised wards, because even if one fails the means test, the final bill will still be lower than if one had selected a higher class ward in the first place, especially for unexpected prolonged stays in hospital.

I suggest the present system, whereby 99 per cent of those who applied to downgrade to a lower class ward were unsuccessful, be reviewed.

Most people who choose lower class wards may do so, not because they want to save money but because of a fear of unexpected prolonged hospitalisation stays beyond their budget.

This is because of the difficulty of downgrading when hospitalisation costs escalate beyond their initial expectations and affordability.

For the minority whose main decision factor is to save money, means testing may not deter them from seeking lower class wards, for the reasons I have stated.

The rationale that people will choose higher class wards because means testing will narrow the price gap between subsidised and less subsidised wards, may not be the dominant factor influencing patient behaviour.

It may be the exception rather than the norm, as for most people, fear of escalating costs may outweigh the price gap factor.

Leong Sze Hian