Taking care of one’s health is possible by having a regular checkup. The Singaporean government prioritizes citizens’ health with its multiple healthcare systems. It emphasizes affordability and preventive care with subsidies for public medical care and procedures through a screen for life.
SFL is a national screening program provided by the Singaporean government to their citizens. It encourages them to undergo regular health screenings and follow-up checkups. Health screening costs a Singapore Citizen must pay are not costly, thanks to the subsidy.
Subsidies in health screening to be received by a member
Only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents can access the subsidized screening. Members can get a $5 or lower subsidy because it is a fixed fee, which covers a follow-up consultation. The subsidized fee can cover screenings and tests done during the same visit. When a Singaporean citizen undergoes a screening test in separate visits, the charge is a separate fixed fee.
Breast cancer screening is also offered at a subsidized rate at selected participating clinics. Here is a breakdown of the rates for every cardholder:
- PG cardholders can get a subsidy of $25.
- MG cardholders can get a subsidy of $37.50.
- Singaporean citizens can get a $50 subsidy.
Permanent residents can check their preferred CHAS GP clinic for the rates of screening tests under the subsidized health screening. A fully subsidized health screening is offered to those enrolled in the Healthier SG clinic.
What is the purpose of subsidized health screenings?
Subsidized health screenings can make preventative healthcare affordable. When people know that they can get a subsidy for health screening, there is no reason for them to delay. By doing health screenings, it helps for early detection of possible health issues.
The primary purpose of subsidized health screenings includes:
- Early detection. Singaporean citizens are cared for by their government by reduced medical costs. Everyone is advised to visit their doctor at the participating clinics for subsidized health screening. Any health condition diagnosed by a doctor will get a prescribed medication. Any medical cost covered for the medical procedure will be subsidized.
- Prevent complications. Regular screenings can identify health conditions, such as:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- Reduce risks of heart attack and stroke, etc.
When severe, these health conditions can cost an individual a lot. Early detection of these health conditions can prevent complications and avoid financial burdens due to the worse condition.
- Encouraging regular screenings. Health screenings are more affordable because of the subsidy provided by the SG government. Singaporeans are encouraged to prioritize their health by undergoing regular checkups and not failing for a follow-up. Regular screenings can help SCs get informed by their current health conditions, and get medication when needed.
What are the covered tests for the health screenings?
Singaporean citizens can access subsidized health screening for several health conditions, such as:
- cardiovascular disease
- cervical cancer
- colorectal cancer
Chronic disease screening
Chronic disease screening is a test diagnosing several health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
Cancer screening
The subsidized health screening covers cancer tests, such as:
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
Eligible for subsidized health screenings
The eligibility for screen for life depends on several factors, such as:
- age
- sex
- pre-existing conditions
- last health screening date
How much subsidy to get from health screenings?
Only a $5 or lesser subsidy will get for health screening. Here are the classifications of how much subsidy to get by a Singaporean citizen:
- Merdeka Generation can get a subsidy of $2
- CHAS blue or orange card holders can get a subsidy of $2
- CHAS green card holders can get a subsidy of $5
Conclusion
The Singaporean Government has always prioritized the healthcare needs of the SCs, which made them provide subsidies. No more Singaporean Citizens are left untreated by their health conditions because of the beautiful healthcare system the government provides to their people.