Benefits of Government Health Schemes

Good health and well-being are highly important in the life of any individual. However, the unpredictability and uncertainty associated with one's health are uncontrollable factors. So, In this article, we will try to explain some of the best government health schemes in India and the benefits of government schemes.

What are these Government Health Schemes?
Medical expenses are mounting each day and for a developing country like India, it is often difficult for people with challenging socio-economic conditions to have access to affordable health care systems. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has introduced several health insurance policies that offer financial support and a regular source of income to those in need.

These insurance policies can be purchased by any Indian citizen, irrespective of their financial standing. While these schemes are not as popular as the plans advertised by private insurance companies, government insurance schemes in India are more attractive, affordable and are applicable across the nation.

In this article, we are going to tell you about the different features and benefits of government insurance schemes in India.

Types of government health insurance schemes The Indian government has initiated several healthcare initiatives for various segments of society. Let us look at some of India's most well-known government healthcare schemes:

1. Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY): The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), was launched in September 2018. It is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. This scheme currently serves over 10.74 crore families and aspires to serve over 50 crore individuals.

2. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana is a government-funded health insurance scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 30,000 per annum for hospitalisation expenses to BPL families.

3. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): The Central Government Health Scheme provides comprehensive healthcare services to employees and their dependents This scheme has over 35 lakh beneficiaries and covers 71 cities across India. The terms and conditions of this plan encompass both hospitalisation and domiciliary care. The Central Government Health Insurance Scheme includes both allopathy and homoeopathy.

4. Employees' State Insurance Scheme (ESIS): The Employees' State Insurance Scheme was launched in 1952. It provides medical care and monetary benefits to employees of factories and organisations covered under the scheme. This scheme applies to factories and institutions with ten or more employees. Previously, only Delhi and Kanpur were covered under this scheme, but the scheme's reach grew over time.

5. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana was launched by the Indian government's Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2008. This programme provides health insurance coverage to those living below the poverty line. The scheme covers pre-existing conditions and provides cashless hospitalisation for up to INR 30,000 per family per year.

6.Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY): The Aam Aadmi Bina Yojana (AABY) is a government scheme designed for individuals working in specific professions like fishin, carpentry, handloom weaving, and more. In total, 48 such occupations qualify for this program. Previously, there were two similar policies, AABY and Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY), until they were merged in 2013. To qualify for this insurance policy, the applicant must be the head of the family or an earning member of a family that is around the poverty line and working in one of the eligible vocations. The premium for a Rs. 30,000 policy is Rs. 200 per year.

Features And Benefits Of Government Health Insurance Schemes In India

1. Applicable Nationally: The most important feature and benefit of a government health insurance scheme is the fact that it is applicable to all regions within the country. Health insurance schemes sponsored by the central and state governments of India allow people to access its services across the length and breadth of the country.

2.Financial Protection: The government health systems safeguard citizens financially from the high cost of healthcare. These plans cover hospitalisation costs and medical treatments, reducing the financial load on families.

3.Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: The government health schemes also aim to improve the healthcare infrastructure in the country. The government has invested heavily in healthcare to provide better facilities and equipment in government hospitals and clinics.

4. Hospitalization Coverage: All health insurance schemes sponsored by the Government of India come with hospitalization benefits that offer complete medical assistance at a lower cost of treatment in government-recognized hospitals across the country. It includes the coverage of pre and posts hospitalization charges, external and daycare medical procedures, surgery, and pharmacy bills.

5. Affordable Healthcare:Government health programmes provide inexpensive healthcare to all segments of society, particularly the poor and marginalised. These programmes ensure that no one is left behind in terms of healthcare.

Conclusion The government health schemes in India have played a significant role in improving the healthcare system in the country. These schemes have provided access to quality healthcare services to all sectors of society, especially the poor and the marginalised. The benefits of government health schemes in India are numerous, including financial protection, preventive healthcare, and affordable healthcare services. It is essential to create awareness about these schemes to ensure that every citizen of the country can avail of their benefits.