Community Health Assist Scheme, commonly known as CHAS, is a government-funded program in Singapore that aims to provide affordable primary healthcare services to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have limited access to medical care. The scheme is designed to help lower the cost of healthcare for lower-to-middle-income households and provide them with access to quality healthcare services.
Under the CHAS program, eligible individuals can enjoy subsidized rates for consultations and treatments at participating general practitioners (GPs) and dental clinics. If you are considering getting a CHAS health screening, below are some of the conditions the scheme covers:
Chronic Conditions
One of the main conditions covered by a CHAS is chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and stroke. Chronic conditions require regular medical attention and medication, and CHAS aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to manage these conditions effectively.
Acute Conditions
CHAS also covers acute conditions such as coughs, colds, fever, and minor injuries that require immediate medical attention. These conditions can be treated by a general practitioner or a clinic, and the CHAS subsidy can help to reduce the cost of medical treatment.
Common Illnesses
Common illnesses such as sore throat, flu, and ear infections are also covered under CHAS. These conditions may not require immediate medical attention but can cause discomfort and inconvenience if left untreated.
Dental Services
Dental services such as dental check-ups, scaling, polishing, and extractions are also covered under CHAS. Good oral health is essential for overall health and well-being, and CHAS aims to provide affordable dental services to ensure that Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can maintain good oral health.
Health Screening
The scheme also covers CHAS health screening services such as blood pressure measurement, cholesterol screening, and diabetic foot screening. Health screening is an essential aspect of preventive healthcare, and CHAS aims to provide affordable and accessible screening services to encourage individuals to take charge of their health.
Women’s Health
Women’s health services such as cervical cancer screening, breast examination, and family planning are also covered under CHAS. Women’s health is a crucial aspect of healthcare, and CHAS aims to provide affordable and accessible services to help women maintain good reproductive health.
Mental Health
Mental health services such as counseling and psychiatric consultations are also covered under CHAS. Mental health is an important aspect of overall health, and CHAS aims to provide affordable and accessible services to help individuals manage their mental health effectively.
CHAS Subsidy Tiers
It is important to note that the CHAS program has different tiers of subsidies based on income levels. The subsidy tiers are determined based on the individual or household’s monthly income, and the subsidies range from 25% to 80% off the bill size. The subsidy tiers are as follows:
CHAS Green
The CHAS Green tier provides a subsidy of 25% off the bill size for individuals and households with a monthly income of $1,100 or below.
CHAS Orange
The CHAS Orange tier provides a subsidy of 50% off the bill size for individuals and households with a monthly income of $1,101 to $1,800.
CHAS Blue
The CHAS Blue tier provides a subsidy of 75% off the bill size for individuals and households with a monthly income of $1,801 to $2,600.
CHAS for Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation
The CHAS for Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation provides a subsidy of 50% to 75% off the bill size for individuals who belong to these generations. Pioneer Generation refers to Singaporeans born on or before 31 December 1949, while Merdeka Generation refers to Singaporeans born between 1950 and 1959.
Conclusion
CHAS is a government-funded program that aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have limited access to medical care.
The scheme covers a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic conditions, acute conditions, common illnesses, dental services, health screening, women’s health, and mental health.