The Union Cabinet approved Modi government’s flagship health insurance scheme known by its moniker ‘Modicare’ on Wednesday, 21 March, The Times of India reported. There is no roll-out date for the scheme yet but it will be effective by October, this year, the report added.
The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) announced in the Budget this year, seeks to provide portable medical cover of up to Rs 5 lakh to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, constituting 40 percent of total population.
The health outreach will be helmed by the a central level under Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission governing board chaired by the Union health minister, the report added. States can run the scheme through an existing trust, society or non-profit state agency.
The ratio of expenditure between states and the Centre is expected to be 60:40. According to the report, pre-existing conditions will come under the ambit of the scheme along with a defined transport allowance per hospitalisation.
The urban and rural inclusion criteria will take into account families without adult members between the ages of 16 and 59 years; female-headed households; SC, ST and landless labour; families without shelter; and destitute, the report mentioned details from the official release.
Beneficiaries can enroll in cashless benefits from public or private empanelled hospitals across the country. Although the payment rate for treatment will be defined by the government.
(With inputs from The Times of India)
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