The Ministry of Health was not able to give the number of elderly patients who had received payment, but said a total of $6.1 million was given out in the last two months of 2007.

Unlike Medifund, which is open to all poor patients, Medifund Silver is only for those aged 65 and older.

The main advantage is that elderly people who may not qualify for Medifund help because their per capita household income exceeds the cutoff of $500, might still get help from the Silver fund.

Rules for the elderly are more relaxed, allowing those whose per capita household incomes are up to $700 to qualify.

Currently, only patients in public hospitals or specialist centres are eligible.

But from April this year, the fund will be extended to other medical facilities like community hospitals and nursing homes whose patients are eligible for Medifund aid.

The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that a third of patients who were helped by Medifund in 2006 were over the age of 65. As the country ages, more elderly will need help with medical bills.

This is why the Government has decided to put aside money that is meant only for them. This way, they will not be edged out by younger but poorer patients.

The ministry said that elderly patients who have problems paying their bills should approach the hospital's medical social worker for help. The hospital's Medifund committee will then decide on the amount of financial help to give them.