CHAS automatic extension to HDB rental flat residents

21 October 2013

Question No. 1498

Name of Person:  Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong

Question

To ask the Minister for Health whether the application for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) can be automatically extended to those who live in HDB rental flats by providing them with a pre-approved CHAS card.

Answer

1        Currently, MOH through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has been actively promoting the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) to residents in HDB rental flats by conducting door-to-door visits together with the grassroots leaders to encourage sign-ups for CHAS. Through these visits, those who live in HDB rental flats can be assisted in their applications for CHAS and the benefits of the scheme can also be explained to them. Through AIC and the Health Promotion Board (HPB), MOH will continue to work closely with the grassroots and community partners, including the Family Service Centre and Senior Activities Centres, to encourage more eligible Singaporeans to join the scheme. 

2        MOH will also continue to explore ways to target our outreach to the lower- and middle- income Singaporean households, including measures to facilitate those who live in rental flats to join CHAS and benefit from the scheme.