Quick answer. The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) lets Singapore Citizens get government subsidies at participating private GP and dental clinics (look for the CHAS sign), so you don’t have to go to a polyclinic for subsidised rates. Your tier – Blue, Orange or Green – depends on your household’s per-capita monthly income (or your home’s Annual Value if the household has no income). Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors automatically get the highest subsidies regardless of income. You apply once online with Singpass, and the card is used for common illnesses, chronic-disease management, selected dental work and subsidised screening.
CHAS is how Singapore extends primary-care subsidies beyond polyclinics into the neighbourhood GP and dental network. Which tier you hold determines both how much you save and what is covered, so it is worth knowing where you stand.
At a glance
| Tier | Eligibility (per-capita monthly income; or home Annual Value if no income) | What’s subsidised |
|---|---|---|
| CHAS Blue | Income ≤ S$1,500 (or AV ≤ S$21,000) | Common illnesses, chronic conditions, dental, screening – highest income-tier subsidies |
| CHAS Orange | Income S$1,501–2,300 (or AV S$21,001–31,000) | Common illnesses, chronic conditions, dental, screening (lower than Blue) |
| CHAS Green | Income > S$2,300 (or AV > S$31,000) | Chronic conditions, screening and vaccinations only – no common-illness or dental subsidy |
| Merdeka / Pioneer Generation | By birth cohort (see below), regardless of income | Highest-tier subsidies for life |
Figures as of 2026. CHAS subsidy caps and Healthier SG chronic tiers are revised periodically; confirm current rates at chas.sg.
The three income tiers
Your tier is set by per-capita household monthly income (total household income divided by the number of members): up to S$1,500 is Blue, S$1,501–2,300 is Orange, and above S$2,300 is Green. For households with no income, the home’s Annual Value is used instead (≤S$21,000 Blue, S$21,001–31,000 Orange, >S$31,000 Green). Only Singapore Citizens qualify for Blue, Orange or Green – PRs and foreigners are not eligible.
What each tier actually covers
The important distinction is at the top tier:
- Common/acute illnesses (coughs, colds, flu, urinary infections): subsidised for Blue (up to about S$18.50/visit) and Orange (up to about S$10/visit), capped at 24 visits a year. CHAS Green does not cover common illnesses.
- Chronic conditions (23 approved conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure): subsidised for all tiers – Blue up to about S$125/visit (S$500/year for complex conditions), tapering down through Orange to Green.
- Dental (scaling, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures): subsidised for Blue and Orange (and Pioneer/Merdeka); Green has no dental subsidy.
- Health screening and vaccinations under Healthier SG: available across tiers, with nationally recommended screening costing a fixed S$2 (Blue) or S$5 (Green) for eligible Singaporeans.
Chronic-disease subsidies in more detail
Under the CHAS Chronic Tier, Blue cardholders receive up to about S$80/visit (S$320/year) for simpler conditions and up to about S$125/visit (S$500/year) for complex ones, with Orange and Green at progressively lower caps. Patients enrolled under Healthier SG get the same per-visit help but with medication subsidies (75% for Blue/Orange, 50% for Green) and no dollar cap on subsidised medicines – a strong reason to enrol with a regular family doctor if you manage a long-term condition.
Pioneer and Merdeka Generation
Pioneer Generation (born on or before 31 Dec 1949) and Merdeka Generation (born 1950–1959) seniors receive special, highest-tier CHAS subsidies for life, regardless of household income, across common illnesses, chronic care and dental. See Pioneer & Merdeka Generation benefits for the full package.
How to apply
Apply online through the CHAS portal using Singpass (a hardcopy form is also available). Application is free and generally processed within about 15 working days. Once approved, present your card (or Singpass) at any participating CHAS clinic; the subsidy is applied at the point of billing.
Related guides
- MediShield Life explained
- Integrated Shield Plans (IP) & riders
- Using MediSave for treatment
- What MediSave can be used for
- CareShield Life & ElderShield
- Pioneer & Merdeka Generation benefits
- How to pay for surgery
- Understanding your hospital bill
- MediFund & financial assistance
- Health insurance for foreigners
- Polyclinic vs GP vs A&E costs
- Specialist consultation costs
- Public vs private specialists
Sources
- Community Health Assist Scheme (chas.sg) — FAQ: income (PCHI) and Annual Value thresholds for Blue/Orange/Green; coverage categories; application process (~15 working days).
- chas.sg — CHAS Blue / Orange / Green subsidy pages: common-illness caps (S$18.50 / S$10 / nil), chronic caps, dental ranges, S$2/S$5 screening.
- chas.sg — Cards and Subsidies overview: tier structure and Pioneer/Merdeka special subsidies.
This guide is general information on Singapore healthcare financing, not financial or medical advice, and scheme rules and figures change. Always confirm current details with the official body (MOH, CPF Board, the Agency for Integrated Care, or your insurer/hospital) before making decisions.