The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), which was introduced in 2012 to help lower to middle-income families, will be extended to more Singaporeans.
CHAS helps make primary care and basic dental care at clinics near Singaporeans under the scheme more affordable.
Singapore Minister of Finance Heng Swee Keat announced today that CHAS subsidies at GP clinics will be enhanced in 3 ways.
First, CHAS will be extended to cover all Singaporeans for chronic conditions, regardless of income level.
Next, lower to middle-income Singaporeans who are CHAS Orange cardholders (subsidies for chronic conditions only) will also now get subsidies for common illnesses too.
Lastly, the Government will also increase the subsidies for complex chronic conditions.
Mr Heng also announced the set up of a new $5.1 billion Long-Term Care Support Fund that will help fund CareShield Life subsidies and long-term care support.
The Government will also strengthen financial protection for long-term care.
Last year, the Government set aside $2 billion for premium subsidies and other forms of support. This year, the Government will set aside another $3.1 billion, and will put in this $5.1 billion into a new Long-Term Care Support Fund.
