Singularity Financial Reporter | April 25, 2025 —
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority announced today that a new fee schedule for public hospital services has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect on January 1, 2026. This marks a significant step following the Health Bureau's launch of the “Public Healthcare Fees & Charges Reform” initiative in March this year.

Over the past several months, the Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority have engaged extensively with the Legislative Council, the general public, and key stakeholders to explain the proposed reforms and collect feedback. There is broad consensus that the existing subsidization structure for public healthcare can no longer keep pace with surging service demand driven by demographic changes and advances in medical technology.

The reform package aims to reshape service utilization patterns, optimize the allocation of medical resources, and reduce wastage and misuse. Key measures include adjusting subsidization levels for various services, enhancing the medical fee waiver mechanism, introducing an annual spending cap, and strengthening support for patients with critical illnesses regarding drug and medical device expenses.

According to the Hospital Authority, the strengthened healthcare safety net is expected to significantly expand the number of eligible low-income patients — from 300,000 currently to around 1.4 million individuals. Additionally, the new annual spending cap is projected to benefit approximately 70,000 patients with serious health conditions, easing their financial burdens.

To ensure the smooth rollout of the reforms, the Hospital Authority will streamline application procedures for medical fee waivers and relax eligibility criteria under the Samaritan Fund’s means-testing framework.

A new income and asset means-test calculator will be launched on April 28 through the Hospital Authority's website and the “HA Go” mobile app. This tool will allow patients to make a preliminary assessment of their eligibility for medical fee waivers and financial assistance under the new system.

Separately, starting January 1, alongside the adjustment of the Accident & Emergency (A&E) service fee to $400, the special A&E refund arrangement will be formalized. Patients who, after triage and initial nursing assessments, choose to seek treatment elsewhere will be eligible for a $350 refund.

Singularity Financial will continue to monitor the implementation of these healthcare reforms and provide timely updates for our readers.