Reach of Community Health Assistance Scheme

Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Health (a) what percentage of eligible Singaporeans are currently enjoying the benefits of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS); (b) what is the average waiting time from the submission of an application form to the issuance of the CHAS card; and (c) how is the scheme being promoted to eligible Singaporeans.

As at end 2012, around 240,000 Singaporeans have signed up for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Singaporeans who are not on the scheme continue to have access to subsidised care at the polyclinics.

If the applications are in order, successful applicants will typically receive their Health Assist cards within 15 working days from the date that their applications are received. Sometimes, the process may be delayed due to incomplete application form. Applicants may call the CHAS Hotline3 to check on the status of their applications.

Over the past year, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) have been promoting and raising awareness of CHAS

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through the newspaper, radio and TV advertisements. We have also been working closely with grassroots organisations to extend our outreach into the community.

In the coming year, AIC is focussing on more targeted engagement through the grassroots. Some of these planned initiatives include appointing and supporting CHAS "champions" at the grassroots level to encourage more residents to participate in the scheme. Other initiatives, such as direct mailers to potential beneficiaries and sign-up booths within the neighbourhood, are also in the pipeline.

We will continue to find ways to reach out to and encourage more eligible Singaporeans to sign up and benefit from the scheme.