Higher Subsidies and Pioneer Generation Benefits for Subsidised Treatment at Specialist Outpatient Clinics in Public Hospitals from 1 September 2014

Higher Subsidies at SOCs

1.    From 1 September 2014, lower- to middle- income Singaporeans will be able to enjoy higher subsidies of 70% and 60% respectively for subsidised treatment at Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOC) at public hospitals^[1]. This is up from the current subsidy of 50%. 

2.    For Singaporeans who are already receiving subsidised treatment at the SOCs:

a)    Those with valid Health Assist cards do not need to apply. They will receive the higher subsidies automatically.

b)    Those without valid Health Assist cards would need to apply. Application forms for the higher subsidies were sent to patients earlier this month. Eligible Singaporeans can also apply using the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) application form available at any public hospital, polyclinic, Community Centre and Club or Community Development Council or online at www.chas.sg.

Additional 50% Off for Pioneers receiving Subsidised Treatment

3.    On top of the higher subsidies, Pioneers will automatically enjoy an additional 50% off subsidised services at the SOCs from 1 September 2014. This is part of the Pioneer Generation Package which also includes additional subsidies for polyclinic services, as well as at private General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics on CHAS.

4.    From 1 January 2015, Pioneers will also benefit from an additional 50% off for subsidised medication at the polyclinics and subsidised SOCs.

5.    The additional subsidies at the subsidised SOC are summarised in the following table:

Subsidies for Singapore Citizens at the Subsidised SOC

* Annual value of $21,000 includes all HDB flats
^ Also applies to subsidised medication prescribed at the polyclinics

6.    All Pioneers should receive their Pioneer Generation Cards before September 2014. Pioneers who have not received it by then can call the Pioneer Generation Healthcare Enquiries hotline at 1800-650-6060 to arrange for another delivery.

7.    Public healthcare institutions across the island are getting their systems in gear for the roll-out of these initiatives. Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr Amy Khor visited Tan Tock Seng Hospital this afternoon, where she observed a training session to prepare frontline healthcare workers for the roll-out of the subsidy schemes.

8.    Commenting on the sidelines of the visit, SMS Dr Khor said, “In just over a week, lower- to middle- income Singaporeans will be able to benefit from even more affordable consultation and treatment with higher subsidies at the SOCs.  Our Pioneers will enjoy an additional 50% off these subsidised bills at the SOCs and polyclinics.  This should give lower- to middle- income Singaporeans and our Pioneers greater peace of mind and assurance over the affordability of their healthcare bills.  Come January 2015, lower- to middle- income Singaporeans will also be able to benefit from higher subsidies for subsidised medication at the SOCs and polyclinics. Pioneers will similarly get an additional 50% off the subsidised bills. These are part of the initiatives we have put in place to ensure that Singaporeans can continue to access affordable and quality healthcare.”

[1]To receive treatment at the subsidised SOCs, one would need to be referred by a polyclinic or under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) at a CHAS GP clinic.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
22 AUGUST 2014