CHENNAI: The state government has finally set the ball rolling for the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme that would benefit 1.34 crore families in Tamil Nadu. One of the most popular welfare schemes of the previous DMK regime, it is now in the process of a revamp with the new government replacing the earlier private health insurance company with a public sector firm.
On Monday, the Tamil Nadu Health Society, the implementing agency for the revised scheme, convened a pre-bid meeting to clarify doubts. The first round of unsuccessful bidding saw nine firms, including the Star Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star Health), which managed the scheme under the earlier DMK government. In the latest round, only four firms - United India Insurance Company, New India Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and National Insurance Company - took part after the state restricted it to public sector companies. "The decision to choose among public sector firms was taken by the cabinet. The government thought it would be hassle free and there would be more transparency in the operations," said a senior official. Bidding is open till November 21.
"The new scheme will have extensive benefits as it covers more than 900 surgical procedures, including life saving interventions like cardiac, renal, neurological procedures and neonatal/ pediatric procedures which were hitherto not covered," said a senior official.
The scheme has been allotted Rs 750 crore for the current fiscal. After negotiations with the 12-member State Empowered Committee, Star Health, the lowest bidder in the previous round, reduced its offer to Rs 508 from Rs 510 towards premium per family. But it was still high for the state-sponsored scheme.
As per the plan, the sum assured is Rs 1 lakh per annum per family, while Rs 1.5 lakh for certain specific procedures like renal transplantation and more than one cardiac valve replacement . Under the new scheme, a family which has an annual income of Rs 72,000 is entitled to avail the benefits.
The successful bidder will have to ensure the availability of a minimum of 50 networked hospitals in Chennai, 20 networked hospitals each in the districts of Coimbatore and Madurai, six networked hospitals each in other districts excluding government hospitals. There will be a minimum of 50 networked hospitals in the areas under each region of the state.
On Monday, the Tamil Nadu Health Society, the implementing agency for the revised scheme, convened a pre-bid meeting to clarify doubts. The first round of unsuccessful bidding saw nine firms, including the Star Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star Health), which managed the scheme under the earlier DMK government. In the latest round, only four firms - United India Insurance Company, New India Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and National Insurance Company - took part after the state restricted it to public sector companies. "The decision to choose among public sector firms was taken by the cabinet. The government thought it would be hassle free and there would be more transparency in the operations," said a senior official. Bidding is open till November 21.
"The new scheme will have extensive benefits as it covers more than 900 surgical procedures, including life saving interventions like cardiac, renal, neurological procedures and neonatal/ pediatric procedures which were hitherto not covered," said a senior official.
The scheme has been allotted Rs 750 crore for the current fiscal. After negotiations with the 12-member State Empowered Committee, Star Health, the lowest bidder in the previous round, reduced its offer to Rs 508 from Rs 510 towards premium per family. But it was still high for the state-sponsored scheme.
As per the plan, the sum assured is Rs 1 lakh per annum per family, while Rs 1.5 lakh for certain specific procedures like renal transplantation and more than one cardiac valve replacement . Under the new scheme, a family which has an annual income of Rs 72,000 is entitled to avail the benefits.
The successful bidder will have to ensure the availability of a minimum of 50 networked hospitals in Chennai, 20 networked hospitals each in the districts of Coimbatore and Madurai, six networked hospitals each in other districts excluding government hospitals. There will be a minimum of 50 networked hospitals in the areas under each region of the state.