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”, Jan 15).

Under CHAS, the Ministry of Health (MOH) works with partner private medical and dental clinics to provide lower- to middle-income Singaporeans and pioneers with 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 S$20.50 per visit for polishing services at CHAS dental clinics, limited to two times each calendar year.

This subsidy framework is published on the MOH website, as well as on the CHAS website and collaterals.

However, the amount that 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 about 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 that 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.