The Health Care Voucher Scheme will be implemented January 1, with more than 1,400 healthcare providers enrolled to offer services to the elderly, Deputy Director of Health Dr Gloria Tam says.

Meeting the media today, Dr Tam said applications from another 300 healthcare providers are being processed, adding enrolment will continue throughout the three-year pilot period.

The scheme partially subsidises elderly aged 70 or above and holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or certificate of exemption for using private primary care services.

They will be given five vouchers worth $50 each annually, subsidising primary care services they buy from the private sector, including western medical practitioners, registered Chinese medicine practitioners, dentists, chiropractors, registered nurses and enrolled nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and medical laboratory technologists.

They do not have to pre-register as the vouchers will be issued and used through the eHealth System.

Dr Tam advised the elderly not to rush into claiming the vouchers. They are encouraged to use them as necessary over the scheme's three-year implementation.

"They are only required to approach a participating provider of their choice and use the vouchers by producing their valid Hong Kong Identity Card or certificate of exemption," Dr Tam said.

Unused vouchers can be retained for use in the following year or the last year of the scheme. No advance of vouchers which are yet to be used will be allowed. Enrolled healthcare providers will display a designated logo at their workplaces for identification. Click here for more information.