Support Available for Youths Diagnosed with Chronic Diseases

20 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has data on the number of youths being diagnosed with chronic diseases; and (b) what support is available for these young persons with chronic diseases, especially youths who have recently entered the workforce and may have limited MediSave and financial reserves.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Based on the 2021 National Population Health Survey, 1% of young adults aged 18 to 35 had one or more of the following chronic diseases – diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.

At the primary care setting, all Singaporeans with chronic diseases under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) are eligible for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies at CHAS clinics, regardless of income and age. They can also opt to seek care at polyclinics, which provide subsidies of up to 75% for chronic services and treatment. If assessed by general practitioners or polyclinics to need specialised care, they may also be referred to public specialist outpatient clinics, where they will be able to receive means-tested subsidies of up to 70%.

Patients will also be able to tap on their own and family members’ MediSave for all CDMP episodes, up to the prevailing withdrawal limits. Needy patients who still cannot afford their bills at public healthcare institutions can tap on MediFund. No one will lose access to appropriate care due to an inability to pay.