Rising healthcare cost is every Singaporean’s concern as he/she becomes older and inevitably ends up with chronic medical ailments such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia. Despite’s one’s best efforts, sometimes it is inevitably to be plagued by such diseases. Fortunately, for the lower and middle income households, there is this CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) to aid in their medical expenditure, but unfortunately, not everyone is aware of it or assume that it is only for the aged.
The below is from the CHAS website:
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a scheme by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that enables Singapore Citizens from lower- and middle-income households to receive subsidies for medical and dental care at participating General Practitioners (GPs) and dental clinics near their homes.
Singapore Citizens who qualify for CHAS will receive an individual blue or orange Health Assist card. Health Assist cardholders will also enjoy subsidised referrals to Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) located at Public Hospitals or National Dental Centre when required.
From 1 January 2014, all Singapore Citizens (regardless of age) who meet the household monthly income per person of $1,800 and below can qualify for CHAS. For instance, a family of four living at the same address with a total gross household monthly income of $7,200 (household monthly income per person is $7,200 ÷ 4 = $1,800) will qualify for CHAS, provided that they are all Singapore Citizens.
Family members (related by blood, marriage and/or legal adoption) living at the same address, as reflected on their NRICs, will need to apply together on one application form. All the family members’ income will contribute towards the household monthly income per person.
As such, if you are staying in a large household or have retired parents and/or young children and can meet the household income limit of $1800/person, do go ahead and sign up. Each application is valid for 2 years. I just learnt from my nearby dental clinic that a person holding the CHAS card only needs to pay less than $300 for a full set of dentures as compared to $800+ for one without, so do take advantage of this great scheme now if you can!
Read the FAQs here