Everything ages, clothes, furniture, jewellery, cars. People age, and consequently, so do entire populations. Every government must protect, provide and preserve its citizens. And this includes catering for the medical needs of the ageing population. The best way to do this is by shouldering the medical expenses of the population. So, the Singaporean government implemented the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) 2000 by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
What is CHAS?
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a scheme for people who might not be able to afford private healthcare or have health benefits. CHAS helps people with low incomes by providing them with access to a range of services for a small monthly fee.
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is aimed at helping people who might not be able to afford private healthcare. For a small monthly fee, you get access to a range of services, including health checks, dental care, vision tests and hearing tests, as well as some prescription medicines. If you’re eligible for CHAS, you could also apply for a range of support with your housing costs or benefit payments. The scheme began in the year 2000 and is available across Singapore and other parts of the world.
How to find out if you qualify for CHAS
To be eligible for the CHAS card, you need to meet a couple of requirements, the most important being your citizenship. You need to be Singaporean, of age at least 40 and above. You also need to have a per capita income of $1,500. You will also be asked a few other questions about your income and if you have any children that are living with you. And also a few questions about the value of your home. If your answers match up, then you’re eligible for CHAS.
If you’ve been told that you are not eligible for CHAS, then you might still be able to qualify if there was some mistake in your application or the computer algorithm made an error. However, it’s best to speak to someone in person so they can investigate this further and see what other options are available.
The CHAS card
The CHAS card is a free medical card that offers support with healthcare costs. The card helps cover the cost of health checks, dental care, vision tests and hearing tests, as well as some prescription medicines. If you’re eligible for CHAS, then you are automatically eligible for a CHAS card, and you can get a card once your CHAS application has been reviewed and approved. Here is how you can get on applying for CHAS.
All supporting documents and information
To complete this application, you will need your SingPass to log in to the e-Service and provide:
- The names.
- NRIC / Birth Certificate / FIN numbers.
- Contact numbers of all household members.
- What is a SingPass account?
Every Singapore resident can have access to over 1,700 government and private sector services with their Singpass ID card. This digital identity integrates with devices seamlessly- log in on your laptop or phone! You can now digitally sign documents as well!. A SingPass account can be created online on the official website. All you need to do is enter all required information accurately. It is also important to know that this can only be done once. You are only allowed to have one SingPass account.
Applying for CHAS
The first step to applying for a CHAS card is to check if you’re eligible. If you’re not already registered with the NHS’s patient register, you need to register first. Applications can be made in two ways;
- You may apply online by filling out an application form on the CHAS official website.
- You have the option of downloading a hard copy of the application form still from the official website. Then you have to mail it to P.O. Box 680, Bukit Merah Central Post Office, Singapore 911536. Remember to add all required documents ( if any are requested).
- The application usually takes between 12 to 15 working days to be processed. After which, you will receive an email. In case you don’t receive mail from the CHAS board within 15 working days, you can contact them via their website requesting support.
- Once you get your card, it lasts for two years from the date of issue. If your circumstances change during that time, then you’ll need to reapply after two years. Citizens of age 21plus can fill out applications for other family members.
The CHAS application process is quite straightforward; there are hardly any hurdles. Well, now that we are clear on how to apply for a CHAS card, let’s get on with all the benefits that come with having a CHAS card.
The Benefits of the CHAS Card
The CHAS card gives you access to some prescription medicines that might not be available at a pharmacy near you. There is a range of services offered by the scheme, including dental care, vision tests and hearing tests, as well as some prescription medication options. The CHAS card is an affordable way to help with your healthcare needs. It is important to note that a Community Health Assist Scheme Card is non-transferable and cannot be shared.
- Different colour cards?
The CHAS card is available in three colours: blue, green, and orange. The colour of your card is based on your eligibility for the scheme. The colours are determined by whether or not you’re a member of a pensioner unit (P.U.). The primary eligibility criteria for the CHAS card is that you’re 40 or over and don’t qualify for NHS healthcare services.
Those who are eligible for the scheme will be given cards depending on the peculiar criteria they fall under. For example, the blue card is given to low-income families to assist them with medical bills like treating common illnesses, chronic diseases, dental care, and also hearing tests. If you have a green card, then you’ll have access to health checks, vision tests and prescription medicines. Finally, if you choose orange, then you’ll only have access to health checks.
How to use your card
You can get health checks and dental care using your Community Health Assist Scheme Card. You can use it to get a range of services up to a certain amount every month. What you need to do is get to any CHAS clinic and present your CHAS card. You will be attended to and given the benefits that come with your card. These benefits may vary depending on the colour of your Community Health Assist Scheme Card. If you want more than that, you should talk to your G.P. or pharmacist about the costs involved.
Where can I use my card?
The CHAS card is available to use at CHAS clinics, pharmacies and by telephone. If you’re looking to use your card more than once a day, you’ll need to visit a clinic or pharmacy.
Wrapping up
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a national healthcare insurance programme that provides free or subsidised health care to low-income households and individuals. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of coverage and age group. The CHAS card is a key part of the scheme, and it is accepted at all government subsidised healthcare institutions, as well as clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and medical centres. If you are applying for CHAS, your eligibility will be verified based on the income you declared and whether you meet the age requirements. The card entitles you to free or subsidised healthcare services and is valid for three years.
FAQ
Is my CHAS card renewable?
Yes, CHAS cards are renewable after 5 years. It is a standard protocol that cardholders are alerted to renew 3 months before their cards expire. If you do not receive a message a month before your card is due to expire, then you would do well to contact the CHAS office for support.
Can I change my address after the application has been submitted?
After you have submitted your application, you might want to make an address change. You cannot change your address after the application has been submitted.
- What do I do if I lose or damage my CHAS card?
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged and you haven’t renewed it for the current year yet, you can apply for a replacement. You’ll need to provide your card number and proof of identity. If you’ve lost your card but not renewed it in time, you can still get a replacement.