MUNI THE BOSS

GOVERNMENT of Andhra Pradesh has introduced an excellent health insurance scheme for all family members in BPL category. Mere possession of ration card (white cards) is enough to get them the health facility. The government pays consolidated insurance premium to Star Health. A network of 360 hospitals has been enlisted for availing treatment. About 265 surgical procedures, primarily taking care of operations for kidney, brain, heart, cancer, burns etc are covered under the scheme. Accidents coming under Motor Vehicles Act are not included.


A large number of Aarogyamithras have been appointed within easy reach of villagers who can be approached for information, explanations, help, liaison, complaints etc. The whole system is totally cash less. Just enter the hospital with your ration card, get treated and walk away. Operations costing about Rs 1.5 to 2.0 lakh are done free for those in the BPL category.
The website of the scheme gives a lot of details. For instance on Jan 31, 2009, we know how the scheme performed: 60 medical camps were held, 7700 persons were screened, 1500 patients were treated, 265 surgeries were performed and about Rs 68 lakhs claim disbursement (direct payment to hospitals by insurance company) was approved. We get cumulative data also. Now the scheme covers the whole of Andhra Pradesh. It has won several acclaims and awards. Karnataka has shown interest in replicating it.


Such a wonderful scheme will be a boon for senior citizens. Senior citizens under BPL are covered. Senior citizens Above Poverty Line (APL) are worst sufferers when it comes to health. Diseases increase, money available for treatment is less, no earnings except meager pensions are some problems faced by this group. Moreover, most health insurance schemes have become unaffordable for most senior citizens. Above a certain age (when they need it most) senior citizens are simply denied any medical/health insurance at all. After 85 years, one cannot get any insurance extended.


Hence, Aarogyasri should be extended to senior citizens in APL category too. They may be asked to pay the premiums themselves. The premium is likely to be very affordable as large numbers are involved. This will be a great boon to the community of senior citizens. An authenticated, verified voters list could form the basis for negotiating with the insurer. Voters ID card may be used for gaining access to the facilities.


I wish some political parties include this in their agenda for the coming elections. They will gain the sympathy and support of senior citizens. After all senior citizens constitute more than 8 percent of the population.