As Singaporeans, whether or not you agree that we are generally well taken care of, there are certain issues that are at the forefront of our minds. Enrolment of a child into one’s preferred school, to rising costs of housing and affordability of healthcare, is just the tip of the iceberg. And it’s not a matter of being kiasu or not. Chas subsidies in Singapore
For the average Singaporean, falling sick is no doubt one of the topmost concerns. Not simply because of the coronavirus outbreak that is happening, but that healthcare costs can get pretty steep.
But at least there are certain schemes, like the CHAS, put in place to help alleviate these costs.
Who Is Eligible For Green CHAS Card?
One such support is the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) that is available to ALL Singapore Citizens.
All Singapore Citizens, including Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) seniors, will receive special subsidies on their medical and/or dental care at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics.
Simply flash your CHAS card to any of the participating GP or healthcare centres for a subsidised fee.
That said, not everyone will receive the same amount of subsidies. There are CHAS criteria to determine which of the three tiers you are eligible for under CHAS Green, CHAS Orange or CHAS Blue.
The CHAS Blue tier provides the most subsidies, eligible for those with an average household income per person of $1,200 or below. It is then followed by the orange, then green with the least subsidies.
The CHAS criteria in deciding which tier you belong to include:
- Household monthly income per person
Photo: Screengrab from CHAS
This means the total gross household monthly income divided by a total number of family members sharing the same address (as reflected on the NRIC or Birth Certificate). You can use the calculator here.
- Annual Value (AV) of the home
The Annual Value of your home is the estimated annual rent if it is rented out. It is assessed by IRAS.
Each household is required to submit an application in order to receive CHAS subsidies. | Photo: Screengrab from CHAS. View full details here.
On the other hand, Pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors receive CHAS subsidies, regardless of income or annual value of home.
If you are a Singapore Citizen with a Public Assistance (PA) card, you are eligible for full CHAS subsides under the Blue tier, hence you do not need to apply for CHAS.
The CHAS card is valid for two years.
What Subsidies/Benefits Will I Get From CHAS at CHAS Clinics?
For common illnesses, households with a blue CHAS card can receive up to $18.50 subsidy per visit.
As for chronic conditions (selected), depending on severity, a blue CHAS cardholder can receive up to $80 per visit, and capped at $320 per year.
Blue CHAS cardholders will also receive subsidies for selected dental services. Depending on the type of procedure done, you can receive subsidies ranging from $11 to $256.50 per procedure.
Here’s a table of subsidies that CHAS, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation cardholders are eligible for:
A comprehensive table of subsidies CHAS, Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cardholders are eligible for. | Source
For full details on subsidies across the various CHAS cards including the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cards, please visit
here.
CHAS Subsidies in Singapore: How Do I Apply For It?
While every Singapore Citizen is eligible for CHAS, households are required to submit an application in order to receive CHAS subsidies.
21 years and older
You have to be at least 21 years and older to submit an application on behalf of your family members as the main applicant. Here, you are responsible for informing all family members of submission on their behalf.
All members included in the form has to be residing in the same address, stated in the NRIC.
Below 21 years old (minor)
If you are below 21 years old (minor) and would like to submit the application as a main applicant, you can do so only through submitting a hardcopy application form. You will also require a parent or legal guardian to provide consent on your behalf.
Only one CHAS application should be submitted for the household, either online OR in hardcopy.
CHAS submission via an online portal
You can submit your CHAS application online by logging in to their e-Service with a valid Singpass.
Before doing so, you will need to gather the following details of ALL household members (living under the same NRIC address):
- Names
- NRIC / Birth Certificate / FIN numbers
- Contact numbers
CHAS submission via hardcopy
If you prefer the traditional way of filling up a form, you can either choose to download the form online, here, or get a copy from your nearby Community Centre/Club (CC), Community Development Council (CDC), Public Hospital or Polyclinic.
Once done, mail it to this address (with any other supporting documents you might have):
P.O. Box 680
Bukit Merah Central Post Office
Singapore 911536
How Do I Know If My CHAS Application Is Successful?
The application processing for a green CHAS card typically takes 15 days, from the date of the completed application.
You will be notified of your application outcome via mail. If successful, you will receive a welcome pack with your CHAS card together with a guide on usage, as well as participating CHAS clinics.
Otherwise, view the status of your application online by logging in to the CHAS online application e-service at www.chas.sg/apply.
Help! I Still Have Not Received Any Notification
If you still do not receive any notification on your application status after 15 working days, you may call the CHAS hotline at 1800-275-2427 (1800 ASK-CHAS) to enquire about your status.
In the event there are incomplete details, CHAS officers might contact you to advise on information required and/or to provide relevant supporting documents.
What Are The Health Conditions Covered By CHAS?
While CHAS support a variety of conditions, patients are still encouraged to check with their doctor or dentist on the fees incurred before consultation.
According to each patient’s condition, the treatment varies.
Photo: CHAS
Besides subsidies for care at CHAS clinics, green CHAS card, MG and PG cardholders also enjoy subsidised referrals to public Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs), as well as subsidised referrals to the National Dental Centre Singapore and National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore*, if required.
If you require more information relating to the green CHAS card, you can call 1800-275-2427 (1800-ASK-CHAS).
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