National Health Insurance Policy is a major initiative of the Government of India to protect citizens from expensive medical costs. This article examines the various aspects, relevance, challenges, and implementation of NHIP.
1. National Health Insurance Policy
Definition
- National Health Insurance Policy (NHIP) is designed to cover medical costs incurred for certain medical conditions, hospitalizations and treatments.
- This program aims at extending coverage of health care to those in the lower socioeconomic strata, and promoting equity.
History
- The policy’s roots can be traced to initiatives like the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, launched in 2008. This initiative provided health insurance coverage to families below poverty line.
- The NHIP, a newer version of the NHIP, is intended to be inclusive and robust.
2. National Health Insurance Policy Objectives
2.1 Financial Protection
- Protecting individuals and their families from expensive medical bills.
- The goal is to lower out-of pocket expenses as well as financial burdens due to medical expenses.
Universal Health Care
- Ensure that all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status have access to basic health services.
2.3 Promoting Preventive Healthcare
- By offering a variety of preventive health services, the NHIP helps encourage people to get regular checks-ups.
3. National Health Insurance Policy: Features and Benefits
3.1 Coverage
- This policy covers a variety of services including hospitalizations, costs associated with pre- and post-hospitalizations, procedures for day care, as well as certain chronic illnesses.
The floater option for a family is 3.2.
- This allows households to save money by including multiple family members in a single insurance policy.
3.3 Transactions Cashless
- The hospitals that are enrolled with the insurance companies have a direct relationship, so patients can receive services even if they do not pay immediately.
3.4 Portability
- It is portable, so that beneficiaries can seek treatment anywhere in the country.
4. The Impact of Implementation
Launch of Ayushman Bharat
- Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is a health insurance scheme targeting the underprivileged, aimed at providing an annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family.
- The NHIP is exemplified by this initiative, which provides healthcare to more than 50 crore people.
4.2 Case Study: Uttar Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh is set to implement its NHIP by 2020. The result will be an increase of critical illnesses being admitted to hospitals, indicating a greater availability of healthcare.
5. Challenges to Implementation
5.1 Education and Awareness
- Unsurprisingly, a large number of beneficiaries do not know about the benefits of insurance. For successful implementation, educational campaigns are vital.
5.2 Fraudulent Claims
- Insurance providers have been drained financially by fraudulent healthcare claims. This can threaten the viability of the system.
Limited Infrastructure
- Rural areas often lack the necessary healthcare services to allow their insured beneficiaries to make full use of their coverage.
6. The conclusion of the article is:
National Health Insurance Policy (NHIP) is an important step in India’s journey to universal healthcare. The National Health Insurance Policy brings hope and safety to millions but requires a concerted approach to meet the many challenges. Its success depends on increased awareness, a robust infrastructure and continuous evaluation.
FAQs
1. What is National Health Insurance Policy (NHIP)?
- National Health Insurance Policy, a government-sponsored initiative, is designed to offer coverage for medical expenses that citizens incur. The policy targets particularly economically weaker segments of society.
The National Health Insurance Policy is available to all citizens of the United States.
- It is primarily aimed at families living below the poverty line (BPL), but it extends also to other low-income groups. This ensures a broad coverage.
3. What is the mechanism of cashless payments?
- In hospitals that are partners, patients can pay their bills without cash in the absence of upfront payment.
4. What are the main benefits of NHIP?
- NHIP protects against expensive medical bills, makes it easier to access necessary health services and encourages prevention of illness.
5. What is the maximum coverage?
- Under schemes like Ayushman Bharat, there is a coverage limit of ₹5 lakh per family per year, which can be availed for multiple treatments.
6. Does the policy cover any hospital?
- The policy can be used in all hospitals that are accredited by the insurer.
7. Does NHIP cover pre-existing medical conditions?
- After a waiting period, most plans will cover conditions that were present before.
8. How can NHIP reduce out-ofpocket expenses?
- NHIP covers hospitalizations, surgeries and other medical expenses, reducing the burden of financial responsibility on families.
9. How can we improve our awareness of the issue?
- The NHIP is being promoted through government campaigns, workshops and collaborations between NGOs.
10. What is the National Health Insurance Policy and how can I apply?
- The registration can be done through government websites or hospitals with accreditation, as well as through local government offices.
The National Health Insurance Policy is a source of great hope in India. It aims to change the landscape of healthcare by making it affordable and accessible for everyone. Its success will depend on the ongoing implementation of this policy and its adjustments in response to ground reality.
