Granted that medical expenses are increasing and it may be more costly to provide medical cover, an increase in premiums may be justified. However, increasing premiums by between $30 and $40 a month for people aged 81 to 85 is a problem. It is reasonable to assume anyone in this age range will have no self-income. How will they finance this rise in premiums?

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in last Saturday's article, 'MediShield premiums for under-50s to rise less than $3', that he found half of them had children or grandchildren to pay their premiums. My question is, what about the other half?

Furthermore, there seems to be an added penalty for this group of people. The initial sum of the hospital bill they need to pay before insurance kicks in is double that of younger ones, even though there is an increase in premiums.

To sum up, the new changes are about paying more and getting less. Although there is a mitigating factor that an increasing percentage of hospital bills will be covered, it still does not address the issue of penalising elderly people who have contributed to Singapore.

Yes, the elderly are the group of people who need more medical attention than younger ones. However, a sudden increase in premiums and initial sum for the elderly may not be the best way. Perhaps an increase in premiums should be imposed on the younger group who have a steady income so they can enjoy better cover in future.

Lai Looi Sing