In a significant move to improve healthcare access for the poor, the Telangana government has raised the coverage limit of the Aarogyasri health insurance scheme from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per family per year. This increase, announced in December 2023 by the newly formed Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, marks a major expansion of the program’s benefits for millions of beneficiaries across the state.
What is Aarogyasri?
Aarogyasri is a flagship health insurance scheme implemented by the Telangana government to provide quality medical care to poor families. The scheme aims to remove financial barriers to healthcare by offering cashless treatment for a wide range of medical conditions at both government and private hospitals.
Key Features of the Enhanced Aarogyasri Scheme
Increased Coverage Limit
The most notable change is the doubling of the coverage limit to ₹10 lakh per family annually. This significant increase allows families to access more expensive treatments and procedures without worrying about costs.
Wide Network of Hospitals
The scheme is currently implemented through 1,402 hospitals across Telangana. This extensive network ensures that beneficiaries can find quality healthcare providers close to their homes.
Comprehensive Treatment Coverage
Aarogyasri covers 1,672 medical treatments for various diseases and health conditions. This broad coverage ensures that most common and critical health issues are addressed under the scheme.
No Premium Payments
One of the most beneficial aspects of Aarogyasri is that it is fully funded by the government. Eligible families do not need to pay any premiums to receive coverage, making it accessible to even the poorest sections of society.
Who Can Benefit from Aarogyasri?
The Aarogyasri scheme is designed to help low-income families in Telangana. Eligibility criteria include:
- Families living below the poverty line (BPL)
- Vulnerable groups identified by the government
- Residents of Telangana state
Currently, around 2.84 crore beneficiaries are covered under the Aarogyasri scheme. This wide reach demonstrates the scheme’s importance in providing healthcare access to a significant portion of the state’s population.
Types of Treatments Covered
Aarogyasri provides coverage for a wide range of medical services, including:
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic tests
- Transportation to and from hospitals
- Follow-up care
Some specific high-end treatments covered under the scheme include:
- Cochlear implant surgeries
- Cancer treatments
- Organ transplantation surgeries
- Maintenance hemodialysis
- Thalassemia care
How to Access Aarogyasri Benefits
To use the Aarogyasri scheme, beneficiaries need to follow these steps:
- Obtain an Aarogyasri health card
- Visit an empanelled hospital
- Show the Aarogyasri card to the Vaidya Mitra (health worker) at the hospital
- Undergo necessary medical tests and procedures
- Receive cashless treatment up to the coverage limit
If beneficiaries don’t have their physical card, they can provide their card number for verification.
Recent Improvements to the Scheme
In addition to increasing the coverage limit, the Telangana government has made other enhancements to the Aarogyasri scheme:
- Approval to increase package costs for 1,375 treatments
- Implementation of lifelong immunosuppressive therapy for post-organ transplantation surgeries
- Extension of age limit for cochlear implantation surgery from 3 years to 5 years in exceptional cases
- Provision of bus pass facility for dialysis patients undergoing treatment under Aarogyasri
Impact on Healthcare Access
The increased coverage limit of ₹10 lakh is expected to have a significant positive impact on healthcare access in Telangana:
- More Comprehensive Care: Families can now afford more complex and expensive treatments without financial stress.
- Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses: The higher limit means fewer families will need to pay out of pocket for medical care.
- Improved Health Outcomes: With access to better treatments, overall health outcomes in the state are likely to improve.
- Greater Financial Protection: The increased coverage provides a stronger safety net against catastrophic health expenses.
Conclusion
The increase in Aarogyasri’s coverage limit to ₹10 lakh per family per year represents a significant commitment by the Telangana government to improve healthcare access for its citizens. By providing comprehensive, cashless treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, Aarogyasri is helping to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent families from receiving the care they need. As the scheme continues to evolve and expand, it has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden of healthcare for millions of families across Telangana.
