Diabetes is a growing public health concern in Singapore until today. In 2016, the "War on Diabetes" was declared by the Ministry of Health and the rising health condition is estimated to rise in the following years. It can be a life-threatening health case when poorly managed because it can get worse without proper medical intervention.
Understandably, managing diabetes in Singapore can cost one medication and expenses when this could have been prevented in the first place. With this, the government provides a program for diabetes patients to make the treatment more affordable with CHAS subsidies.
Financial assistance for diabetes patients in SG
The government of Singapore provides healthcare programs helping their citizen’s benefit from financial assistance. A subsidy is given to all Singaporean citizens for their healthcare needs, specifically in medical and dental care. CHAS provides different subsidy tiers in three card categories of different colors known as:
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Green
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Orange
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Blue
CHAS cards tiers that cover diabetes and their differences
The three CHAS card tiers cover medical and dental care subsidies for diabetes. However, these three categories of CHAS cards have differences in terms of their coverages when addressing diabetes.
CHAS green card covers chronic illnesses, including diabetes. Aside from a green card, a CHAS orange card also covers the same health condition. CHAS orange card helps cover the expenses related to diabetes treatment, including:
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diabetic foot screening
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diabetic retinal photography
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nurse counseling
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completing the Chronic Disease Management Programme
Understanding the differences between the three CHAS card tiers help you know which card is the right one to use for a particular health condition. Every CHAS card has different amounts of subsidies received by the cardholder. Every card tier is based on the monthly income of every person in a household.
The difference between these CHAS card tiers is the indicated subsidy the cardholder is entitled to. The amount to be paid by the cardholder is based on the fees charged by the participating clinic minus the subsidy.
CHAS cardholders enjoyed subsidized medical and dental care costs. Anyone who is a CHAS cardholder can benefit from the subsidy it offers according to its tiers. These cardholders are covered with common illnesses and selected chronic conditions, which include high blood pressure and diabetes.
What does CHAS green card cover for diabetes treatment?
CHAS green card covers diabetes treatment in different areas.
Outpatient care subsidies
CHAS green card holders can receive subsidies for consultations related to diabetes management. Non-hospitalized patients can get a subsidy during visits and consultations with their doctors when dealing with diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, there can be outpatient treatment that is advised by your specialist. While you are in the treatment process, there are costs covered by the subsidy that help reduce the expenses.
Chronic Disease Management Programme
An eligible diabetes patient can enroll in CDMP, which provides an ongoing care plan, including:
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routine follow-ups
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monitoring of the condition
There are expected expenses while on medication. Under CDMP, CHAS cardholders can automatically receive a subsidy.
Health screenings subsidies
Regular health checks are advised to the patient for assessment of blood glucose level and HbA1c tests; these are covered by the subsidy. Early detection of complications can be prevented and through health screenings, it provides effective monitoring. There are expected health screenings expenses and these are covered by the subsidy.
Who can be eligible for CHAS?
All Singaporean citizens are eligible for CHAS since it is a program provided by the government. However, Singaporean citizens with Public Assistance cards are not required to apply for CHAS. They can automatically receive full CHAS subsidies by showing their PA cards.
Conclusion
Early detection of diabetes can help get the right treatment to prevent it from worsening. Patients are worried about the potential expenses they will be facing which make CHAS a great financial help for medical care. Diabetes patients can cut medical expenses by the subsidy received from their membership.
Successful applicants will receive a CHAS card, which indicates the subsidy tier for, which they are eligible. CHAS cards have a validity period of up to 2 years.
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