Standardised CHAS subsidy framework

MOH's Reply

TODAY, 28 Jan 2016

Lian He Wan Bao, 31 Jan 2016

Patients should check with clinics on post-subsidy charges

Ms Helen Liu asked for the post-subsidy charges to be made more accessible to patients at dental clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) (“CHAS-registered clinics should list charges after subsidies on-site”, 15 Jan).

Under CHAS, the Ministry of Health (MOH) works with partner private medical and dental clinics to provide lower- to middle- income Singaporeans and Pioneers subsidised healthcare within the community.

A standard CHAS subsidy framework applies to all clinics, where treatment and procedures can be subsidised up to the prevailing subsidy caps. For example, all Blue Health Assist cardholders can claim a maximum of $20.50 per visit for polishing services at CHAS dental clinics, limited to 2 times in each calendar year. This subsidy framework is published on the MOH website, as well as on the CHAS website and collaterals. However, the amount which patients pay after the CHAS subsidy will vary, as clinic charges differ based on the patient’s condition and treatment provided. 

We encourage patients to speak to their clinics on any queries they may have on the treatment, corresponding costs and subsidy received. Patients can request for itemised receipts, so that they are clear on the breakdown of the charges and CHAS subsidies claimed.

In addition, to check the subsidies which clinics have claimed for them, CHAS patients can log in to the “MY CHAS” function on the CHAS website (www.chas.sg) if they have Singpass, or call the CHAS hotline at 1800-275-2427.

We thank Ms Liu for her feedback, and will look into making the CHAS subsidy tables more accessible at participating clinics.
 

Miss Lim Bee Khim
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

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Forum Letters

TODAY, 15 Jan 2016

CHAS-registered clinics should list charges after subsidies on-site

Recently, I did some research on dental clinics that offer subsidies for teeth scaling and polishing to those under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Those who hold the CHAS card receive subsidies for medical or dental treatments at clinics near their homes.

I have noticed there are quite a number of dental clinics who display their charges and services through posters and notices on their premises, and those who accept CHAS cards will put up the sticker for it as well. However, the prices displayed at the clinics are all full charges before subsidies, and new patients must walk in or even go online to find out the charges after subsidies. Different dental clinics seem to have different charges and subsidies for services.

I suggest that the authorities ensure that CHAS-registered dentists, and even general practitioners, make the post-subsidy charges more accessible and transparent at their clinics, whether or not this information is available on their websites.

Helen Liu

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Lian He Wan Bao, 16 Jan 2016

洗牙补牙CHAS卡津贴不一

CHAS 卡的津贴对于牙科服务显得有些混乱，像洗牙或者补牙方面的津贴，我发现有些牙科诊所的洗牙，补牙服务在CHAS蓝卡津贴后都不需要付任何费用，而有些牙科诊所却需要付部分的余额。

所以，虽然有CHAS卡能得到津贴，但是津贴不透明，对于这类普通牙科服务来说，应该所有的诊所都一样全额津贴，让所有洗牙或补牙的人都得到一样的好处。

刘筱诗