budget 2019 healthcare

Budget 2019: CHAS Enhancements, Long Term Care Support Fund, Medisave Top-ups

In his Budget 2019 Statement, the Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat affirms the Government will continue to strengthen support to the healthcare needs of Singaporeans. The Government also wants to help Seniors stay active, healthy and engaged in their silver years.

Subsidies for CHAS orange cardholders to cover for common illnesses.

Key announcements in Budget 2019 that affect healthcare at a glance

Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) to be enhanced

CHAS will cover all Singaporeans for chronic conditions regardless of income.
CHAS to be enhanced

CHAS subsidies at GP clinics to be enhanced in 3 ways:

  1. All Singaporeans will be covered by CHAS for chronic conditions, regardless of income.
  2. CHAS orange cardholders will now be extended subsidies to cover for common illnesses. Currently, orange cardholders are only covered for chronic conditions.
  3. Subsidies for complex chronic conditions will be increased.

CHAS makes it possible for more Singaporeans to visit clinics near their homes to manage their chronic conditions. The Minister of Health will provide more details on these changes at the COS. See table below for the complete list of Common Illnesses, Chronic Conditions and Dental Services that are covered by CHAS subsidies.

Chas coverage table
Table credits: chas.sg

A 5.1b Long Term Care Support Fund to be set up

A 5.1b Long Term Care Support Fund will be set up to help fund CareShield Life subsidies and long term care support measures, such as Elderfund. This enables the Government to provide greater healthcare assurance and financial protection for long term care.

silver generation exercising
Updates to Merdeka Generation Package

A Merdeka Generation Package consisting of financial top ups to Medisave and Passion Silver cards

The Merkeka Generation(Singaporeans born in the 1950s) played a critical role in building our nation and was amongst the first batches to serve in the National Service(NS) and Public Services.

  1. All Merdeka Generation Seniors to receive a one-time top up of $100 to their Passion Silver cards to support and promote their active lifestyles.
  2. They will also receive a Medisave top up of $200 a year for 5 years.
  3. Merdeka Generation Seniors will also receive additional subsidies for common illnesses, chronic conditions and dental procedures.
  4. The Government will also give additional participation incentive of $1,500 for Merdeka Generation Seniors when they join CareShield Life, when it becomes available in 2021.
  5. Merdeka Generation Seniors will enjoy additional MediShield Life subsidies, for life.
budget 2019 cancer society
Medisave top ups

MediSave top up for Singaporeans aged 50 and above who don’t qualify for Merdeka or Pioneer Generation benefits

  1. A Medisave top up of $100 a year for the next 5 years for Singaporeans aged 50 and above in 2019, who do not receive the Merdeka or Pioneer Generation benefits.

ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme

The ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme provides basic monthly cash assistance to those who are permanently unable to work and with little family support, to support their living expenses.

More support will be available for households with additional medical needs. More details will be given by the Minister for Social and Family Development at COS.

If you found this article helpful, we recommend reading The Silver Lining Subsidies: Daily Living and Outpatient and What is COPD?

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