Hong Kong to cover up to 40,000 yuan in medical costs for some elderly people living in mainland nursing homes

Authorities will cover the medical costs of some elderly Hong Kong retirees living in nursing homes in mainland China up to a maximum of 40,000 yuan a year, the social protection minister said as he revealed more details of the plans government to combat the problems of aging and poverty.

Labor and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun Yuk-han on Monday dismissed concerns about increased spending on the new pilot program to cover medical costs.

Under the program, the government will pay up to 10,000 yuan in medical consultation fees and 30,000 yuan in hospitalization fees each year for elderly Hong Kongers eligible for subsidized residential care services in neighboring Guangdong province.

Sun said social authorities had basic urban-rural medical insurance for elderly people receiving subsidized residential care services on the mainland, but it generally covered only 50 percent of outpatient services and 70 percent hospital services.

The pilot project will help cover the rest of the bill and provide more guarantees for older people who choose to retire in retirement homes across the border.

“Between providing similar venues in Hong Kong and those choosing to go to the Greater Bay Area, there is a difference in cost… (The) actual expenditure for the government is more or less the same,” he said. Sun said.