Means Testing and the Disabled

Sir, I believe there is a need for an overall means testing framework for public services so Singaporeans can know what to expect. The framework should clarify the assumptions of what the extent of State responsibility is. How does Government decide when means testing becomes applicable for what are considered traditionally basic State responsibilities? How can Singaporeans be assured that with similar rising costs, other essential services such as education, defence, security and use of public amenities will not one day be subjected to means testing?

Sir, the different ways by which means testing is applied in the various public programmes should also be rationalised and made clearer. Currently, each Ministry decides when and how means testing is applied. Hence, for public housing, only those earning below a total household income of $8,000 are eligible. For MCYS' social services programmes, different per capita income criteria are applied and now the Health Minister has mentioned at a public forum that he is looking at a more lenient income range. Sir, lest it be mistaken that it is up to the imagination of each Minister, a formula by which eligibility and corresponding subsidies are fixed should be developed and communicated in the means testing framework.

Lastly, Sir, whilst I appreciate the Health Minister's desire to keep the means test simple, it must not be so simplistic that it ignores important considerations. The Minister has mentioned about the use of a simple means test that looks at the patient's average salary in the last 12 months or his housing type. Social service experts have long found that means testing based on per capita household income is a fairer formula. For example, the financial burden on a Singaporean with a monthly income of $5,000 supporting three children is clearly heavier than if he is childless or has only one child. Also, on behalf of the disabled community, I ask that extra marks be given in the means test to young and old Singaporeans who are disabled and are not eligible for any medical insurance relating to their disabilities. They should not have to suffer the double whammy of being excluded from medical insurance related to their disabilities and then undergo means testing as well.

I urge the Minister to pilot the administration system first before implementing the means test system.