In Singapore, preventive healthcare has become a national priority, and one of the most important aspects of this effort is early detection of health conditions. The Screen for Life (SFL) programme was introduced to provide Singaporeans with access to affordable health screenings for common conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
The programme aims to encourage regular health screenings, especially among those at higher risk of these conditions. If you have a Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card, you may be wondering if you can get extra subsidies for these screenings.
This article will explain how CHAS works in conjunction with the SFL programme and whether you can benefit from additional subsidies.
Understanding the Screen For Life (SFL) Programme
The Screen for Life (SFL) programme is part of Singapore’s national healthcare strategy to encourage early detection and better management of chronic diseases. Regular screenings can identify health issues before symptoms become apparent, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.
The programme offers recommended screenings based on age, gender, and risk factors, covering conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Lipid Disorders (High Cholesterol)
- Colorectal Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Breast Cancer
SFL screenings are available at participating CHAS General Practitioner (GP) clinics and polyclinics across Singapore. The programme provides highly subsidised rates for Singapore citizens, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to preventive care.
What Is the CHAS Card?
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a programme designed to provide Singaporean citizens with access to subsidised medical and dental care at private clinics. It is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for lower- and middle-income families, as well as the elderly.
There are different CHAS card tiers (Green, Orange, and Blue) depending on household income or the annual value of the home. Each tier offers different levels of subsidies for medical care, chronic disease management, and dental services. Eligible citizens with a Merdeka Generation or Pioneer Generation status can also receive additional benefits.
Now, let’s explore how the CHAS card works within the Screen for Life programme and what extra subsidies you might be eligible for.
Eligibility for Subsidies under Screen For Life
The Screen for Life programme is already highly subsidised for Singapore citizens. The eligibility for SFL subsidies is based on your age, gender, and specific risk factors such as personal or family medical history. The subsidies cover both the cost of the screening tests and a post-screening consultation with your doctor to discuss the results.
The basic subsidised rates for Singapore citizens participating in Screen for Life are:
- Eligible Singapore Citizens: $5
- CHAS Blue and Orange Cardholders: $2
- Merdeka Generation: $2
- Pioneer Generation: $0 (fully subsidised)
These subsidies apply to the first health screening based on the recommendations provided through the SFL programme, including screenings for certain common chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
How CHAS Card Holders Benefit from Additional Subsidies
If you hold a CHAS card, you may be eligible for further subsidies beyond what is provided to the general population. Here is how the subsidy structure breaks down:
- CHAS Blue and Orange Cardholders: These cardholders are eligible for screenings at $2 per screening, which includes the consultation fee after the test. This is a significant reduction from the standard cost and ensures that low- and middle-income Singaporeans have access to essential screenings without financial burden.
- Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation Cardholders: CHAS cardholders who belong to the Pioneer Generation receive additional benefits, making their screenings either free or very low-cost. Pioneer Generation cardholders pay $0 for screenings. However, Merdeka Generation cardholders still pay $2 which is the same rate as CHAS Blue and Orange Cardholders.
- CHAS Green Cardholders: As this tier is generally for those with a higher household income or home value, Green card holders do not get additional benefits as compared to Singaporeans without a CHAS card.
What Is Covered Under the Subsidised Screen For Life Programme?
The SFL programme covers key screenings for common chronic diseases and cancers that have the highest impact on public health. The screenings are targeted to ensure that individuals receive the right tests based on their age, gender, and risk profile. The conditions covered include:
- Diabetes Screening: Recommended for Singaporeans aged 40 and above. This screening involves testing blood glucose levels to detect early signs of diabetes, which is a growing concern in Singapore.
- Hypertension Screening: High blood pressure is often a silent killer, and regular monitoring is crucial for early detection. The SFL programme includes blood pressure tests as part of its screenings for adults over 40.
- Lipid Disorders (High Cholesterol): Lipid profile tests measure cholesterol levels in the blood and are essential for preventing heart disease. Screening for high cholesterol is particularly recommended for older adults.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Adults aged 50 and above are eligible for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year. This simple, non-invasive test checks for signs of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in Singapore.
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Women aged 25 and above are eligible for regular Pap smears to detect early signs of cervical cancer. Pap smears are recommended once every three years for women in the target age group.
How to Sign Up for Screen For Life with Your CHAS Card
To participate in the Screen for Life programme using your CHAS card, follow these steps:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure that you are eligible for the SFL programme based on your age, gender, and risk factors. Your GP will help assess your risk profile.
- Make an Appointment: Visit a CHAS-accredited GP clinic or polyclinic participating in the SFL programme. You can find a list of participating clinics on the HealthHub website or through your local healthcare provider.
- Present Your CHAS Card: Bring your CHAS card to your appointment to receive the applicable subsidies. The clinic will apply the appropriate subsidised rate based on your CHAS card tier.
- Undergo Screening and Consultation: Complete the recommended health screening tests. After your screening, your GP will schedule a consultation to review the results and discuss any necessary follow-up actions.
- Receive Subsidies: The reduced rate will be applied at the clinic, and you will pay the subsidised amount—whether it’s $2 or $5—at the time of your appointment.
Why Regular Health Screenings Are Important
Regular health screenings, like those provided through Screen for Life, play a vital role in maintaining your health and detecting potential issues before they become more serious. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol often have no early symptoms, but if left unchecked, they can lead to more severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke.
Screenings help detect these conditions early, allowing for timely intervention and management. Moreover, early detection of cancers like colorectal or cervical cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
By taking advantage of the subsidies available through your CHAS card, you can receive these essential screenings at a minimal cost, making preventive healthcare affordable and accessible.
Take Charge of Your Health with Screen For Life
If you hold a CHAS card, you’re eligible for additional subsidies under the Screen for Life programme. These subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of crucial health screenings, helping you stay on top of your health without financial strain. Don’t wait for symptoms to arise—early detection can save lives.
To learn more about Screen for Life or to book an appointment for subsidised health screenings, visit Keystone Clinic & Surgery. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals is ready to guide you through your preventive care journey and ensure you receive the best possible care.
References
Chas.sg. About CHAS. https://www.chas.sg/about-the-scheme
Healthhub.sg. Screen for Life – National Screening Programme. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/screen_for_life/sfl-faqs
Chas.sg. FAQs. https://www.chas.sg/faqs
Moh.gov.sg. Community Health Assist Scheme. https://www.moh.gov.sg/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/community-health-assist-scheme