Introduction

Quality healthcare comes at a cost that is unaffordable for the economically weaker sections of society. One way to address this is to provide free healthcare in Government hospitals. But sometimes treatment is not possible at district and sub-district hospitals. Furthermore, the demand for advanced healthcare leads to long waitlists for emergency and life saving surgeries. To address these challenges and ensure availability of advanced healthcare, the Government of Tamilnadu introduced a scheme called the “Chief Minister Kalaignar Insurance Scheme for life saving treatments” on 23rd July 2009. This scheme is for the poorest of the poor/low income/unorganised groups who cannot afford costly treatment, as a supplementary facility for getting free treatment in empanelled Government and private hospitals for such serious ailments.

Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme

On January 11, 2012, the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme aimed at benefiting 1.34 crore families was launched.

Eligibility

Any family whose annual income is Rs.72,000/- or less, members of unorganised labour welfare boards, and the spouse, children and dependent parents of such members in urban and rural areas are eligible. All Government servants, civil pensioners, ESI beneficiaries and families having an annual income of more than Rs. 72,000 /- but not members of any unorganised sectors welfare boards are not eligible under this scheme.

Needs Covered

Under the scheme, the sum assured for each family would be Rs.1 lakh every year for a total period of four years and for a total value of Rs. 4 lakh. In the case of certain procedures, the ceiling would be raised to Rs.1.5 lakh per annum. No fewer than 250 hospitals would be empanelled under the scheme. At least six hospitals in each district would be covered. There would be more hospitals in cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.

The scheme would cover 1,016 procedures, 113 follow up procedures and 23 diagnostic procedures. The cost of tests required for treatment would also be part of the insurance cover.

For more details, please visit http://www.cmchistn.com/