How Healthier SG Chronic Tier helps you get more out of life by saving on medication costs

In Singapore, women from all walks of life – whether steering through the corporate world, managing the bustling home front, or juggling both – face the daily pressures that come with their roles.

The relentless pace of working, nurturing families, caring for elders, and maintaining a household can silently fuel stress, which, left unchecked, may lead to chronic health conditions.

These hidden health challenges, often overshadowed by life's demands, underscore the importance of regular medical screenings.

The introduction of the Healthier SG Chronic Tier subsidy framework on Feb 1 comes as an additional pillar of support for Singaporeans. It improves drug affordability at the general practitioner (GP) clinics and support the anchoring of care at such establishments.

It also ensures that the well-being of women – the often unsung heroes managing both home and career – is not compromised.

A healthier tomorrow

Launched in July last year, Healthier SG is an initiative by the Ministry of Health for all Singaporeans and PRs to engage actively in their health management, stave off chronic diseases, and embrace a lifestyle conducive to well-being.

From February 1, 2024, the new Healthier SG Chronic Tier extends an additional helping hand to help all Singaporeans stay healthy.

Those with high chronic medication needs can access the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, where they can receive enhanced subsidies for selected chronic medications at their enrolled Healthier SG GP clinics at prices similar to those at polyclinics.

This initiative is particularly beneficial for Chas, Pioneer Generation, and Merdeka Generation cardholders with higher medication needs, offering them a boost in subsidies. 

These medications are used to treat conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), catering to common conditions affecting many Singaporeans. Examples include metformin for diabetes and atorvastatin for high cholesterol.

For women, regardless of the role they play at home or in society, this new scheme extends beyond mere medical care. It represents a safeguard for their health, empowering them to continue their indispensable roles within our ageing society.

Easing the financial strain

The financial perks of the Healthier SG Chronic Tier are significant. With enhanced subsidies, individuals can get certain chronic medications at rates comparable to those offered in polyclinics, substantially lowering out-of-pocket expenses.

The subsidies – up to 87.5 per cent without a dollar cap at enrolled GP clinics – coupled with additional financial assistance for other care components such as consultation and other medications, can lead to considerable savings. 

Depending on the cardholder, subsidies can cover up to $135 per visit and $360 annually. 

Furthermore, the removal of the 15 per cent cash co-payment requirement for MediSave use under the CDMP is another key highlight. Now, enrolled individuals with selected chronic conditions can utilise their MediSave to fully pay for their treatments at their Healthier SG clinics, up to their annual withdrawal limit of either $500 or $700. 

Choosing the right tier

For every visit to their Healthier SG doctor, patients can select the subsidy framework that best suits their needs. 

Opt for the Healthier SG Chronic Tier if you have higher medication needs or go for Chas Chronic Tier for those with lower or no medication needs. 

And if circumstances change, so can their subsidy selection, with any unused annual subsidy amount being pro-rated accordingly at the next visit.

An illustration of how Healthier SG Chronic Tier can help

Mrs Tan, who is a Chas Blue cardholder, is enrolled in Healthier SG with her GP clinic. She currently has two chronic conditions ​​​​​– hypertension and high cholesterol.

Her chronic medication needs comprise a large proportion of her medical bill and will likely exceed the annual limits under the existing Chas Chronic Tier.

On a recent visit to her enrolled GP clinic, she was prescribed chronic medications Glipizide, Losartan, Metformin and Atorvastatin, all of which are in the Healthier SG Medication List.

Here is her latest bill:

Impact on healthcare management

The Healthier SG Chronic Tier is a boon not just for those with chronic conditions but also for their caregivers, who often bear the brunt of medical expenses. 

By consulting with a GP at an enrolled Healthier SG clinic, patients and caregivers can tap on the most beneficial subsidy scheme depending on the  health scenario.

With the Healthier SG Chronic Tier, women requiring chronic medications can better manage their health and be able to fulfil their roles at home, at work or in society to the fullest.  

Consult your family doctor on your suitability to utilise the Healthier SG Chronic Tier.
Learn more about the Healthier SG Chronic Tier and enrol in Healthier SG today.