Keeping chronic disease treatments affordable, across all levels of needs

You might be familiar with the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card categories commonly seen in clinics – Green, Orange and Blue. These colours, along with the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation cards, define the different subsidy tiers of the CHAS.

CHAS ensures comprehensive coverage for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Those seeking medication support can visit their nearest CHAS general practitioner (GP) clinic, where subsidies are provided based on their CHAS tier.

For example, patients seeing a GP for their complex chronic conditions can receive fixed-dollar subsidies ranging from S$40 per visit (capped at S$160 per year) if they have a CHAS Green card, to S$135 per visit (capped at S$540 per year) if they are a Pioneer Generation cardholder.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RELIEF WITH HEALTHIER SG CHRONIC TIER

While the majority of Singaporeans are well-covered by the CHAS subsidies, patients with higher chronic medication needs may find additional support through the Healthier SG Chronic Tier.

Under the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, individuals seeking care at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinic may receive higher subsidies for selected chronic medications, up to 87.5 per cent, at prices comparable to polyclinics. They may also receive up to S$360 per year for other components of their care, such as consultations and investigations.  

THE ADDED COMPLEXITY OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS

The rising prevalence of diagnosed chronic conditions coupled with our ageing population means that more Singaporeans are likely to have multiple or more complex chronic conditions.

Consider the case of Mrs Tan, a CHAS Blue cardholder. She sees a GP for her chronic conditions – hypertension, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol.

In this example, Mrs Tan has a visit bill of S$295.06 without subsidies.

Under her CHAS Blue Tier, she qualifies for a per visit subsidy of S$125. Patients like Mrs Tan may require subsequent GP visits or medication top-ups, and may exceed the annual CHAS limit of $500.

EMPOWERING PATIENTS TO CARE FOR THEIR CONDITIONS, WITHOUT ANXIETY

With the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, patients like Mrs Tan with higher medication needs will have less worry over medical costs.

When Mrs Tan visits her enrolled Healthier SG clinic and taps on the Healthier SG Chronic Tier subsidies, as a CHAS Blue cardholder with complex chronic conditions, she can receive 75 per cent subsidies for selected chronic medications on the Healthier SG medication list. In addition, the out-of-pocket payment for the treatment of chronic diseases under the Chronic Disease Management Programme can be covered by MediSave, without cash co-payment, up to the MediSave withdrawal limit.

She would also receive S$125 of fixed-dollar subsidies for her visit, which fully cover the consultation, investigation and other medications not covered by the Healthier SG Chronic Tier framework.

The remaining balance on Mrs Tan’s annual fixed-dollar subsidy will be pro-rated to account for the difference in annual limits between the CHAS Chronic Tier and the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, when there is a switch between subsidy frameworks.

With the enhanced subsidies under the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, patients with higher chronic medication needs such as Mrs Tan can focus on managing their condition without the anxiety of high medical costs.

Enrol in Healthier SG to benefit from the Healthier SG Chronic Tier. Discuss with your family doctor on your suitability to utilise the Healthier SG Chronic Tier. For more information, visit healthiersg.gov.sg.