Hong Kong's welfare chief on Wednesday said more seniors are choosing to spend their retirement in the Greater Bay Area thanks to continuing improvements to a scheme that subsidises elderly welfare recipients living in Guangdong care homes.

Speaking on RTHK's Overview Policy programme, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun noted there are currently 15 care homes in the GBA under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong (GDRCS).

He noted these facilities provide elderly support, enhanced living spaces and a close proximity to Hong Kong.

Sun also said the combination of the mainland's lower medical costs and enhancements to the GDRCS scheme makes retiring in the GBA more financially viable.

"We have a plan launching around the middle of the year. For the elderly who joined our GDRCS Scheme, after purchasing medical insurance, the portion they would normally pay out-of-pocket will be covered by the government. For instance, we can cover up to HK$10,000 per year for outpatient care, and up to HK$30,000 per year for hospitalisation if needed," he said.

"Since medical costs on the mainland are relatively low, HK$10,000 should suffice for monthly doctor visits and medications for conditions like hypertension, diabetes and lung-related problems.

"For the HK$30,000 hospitalisation coverage – even in worst-case scenarios, say a fall resulting in a broken bone followed by a stroke requiring an extended hospital stay – this amount should still be sufficient."

Sun reported that more than 300 people participated in the scheme as of the end of last year, a notable increase from just over 100 in mid-2022.