Eligibility age for Elderly Health Care Voucher to be lowered to 65
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Elderly people aged 65 to 69 in 2017 who hold a valid Hong Kong identity card (HKIC) or Certificate of Exemption (CoE) issued by the Immigration Department can make use of the vouchers starting from July 1 to settle the fees of primary care services provided by service providers participating in the EHV Scheme. It is estimated that about 400 000 additional elderly persons will be able to benefit from the enhanced measure.
Vouchers are issued and used through an electronic platform. Elderly people do not need to pre-register, collect or carry the vouchers. Those intending to use the vouchers should visit the participating service providers in person with the Scheme logo displayed at their clinics, show a valid HKIC or CoE and sign a consent form confirming the voucher amount to be used. For elderly people who do not have an eHealth (Subsidies) account, the service providers will open an account for them on the same occasion. At present, the annual voucher amount for each eligible elderly person is $2,000 and the maximum amount of vouchers that can be accumulated in an account is $4,000.
"In January 2017, the annual voucher amount of $2,000 has been released to all eHealth (Subsidies) accounts of elderly people aged 70 or above. For those aged 65 to 69 in 2017, the voucher amount of $2,000 for the year 2017 will be deposited into their accounts starting from July 1," a spokesman for the DH said.
Members of the public may visit the Scheme's website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the enquiry hotline (2838 2311) for more information.
Ends/Thursday, June 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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