A survey by the NGO ImpactHK finds that rising public hospital fees are affecting how homeless people use medical services in Hong Kong. The charity says nearly 60% of respondents plan to make fewer medical visits because they expect the higher costs will be difficult to afford. The survey also reports that more than 60% of participants are unfamiliar with how to apply for medical waivers. Advocates say unstable living conditions make it harder for some people to navigate waiver application processes, including completing paperwork and accessing support when they lack stable addresses or other basic documentation. ImpactHK’s deputy head of programmes, Kenny Ng Kwan-lim, argues that authorities should consider automatic waivers to reduce reliance on individuals successfully applying in person or through complex procedures. The charity also calls for simplifying subsidy or waiver application steps to improve access to healthcare for street sleepers and others experiencing homelessness. The survey covers interviews with 120 homeless people conducted between Feb 1 and March 31.