The Hindu : National : Chidambaram announces reduction in UHIS premium

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 06, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Chidambaram announces reduction in UHIS premium

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday announced significant changes to the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS), including reduction of premium and relaxation of age limit.

Speaking at a function to launch Apollo Reach hospitals here, Mr. Chidambaram said the current individual premium of Rs. 365 per annum under the UHIS This would be reduced to Rs. 300 per annum. The existing premium for a five-member family – Rs. 548 per annum, would drop to Rs. 450 per annum. Again, for a seven-member family, the premium of Rs. 730 per annum would go down to Rs. 600 per annum, the Minister said.

Age limit

The age limit for availing the insurance scheme, currently pegged at 65 years, would be increased to 70 years, Mr. Chidambaram announced. Insurance cover would also be extended for pre-existing diseases, as never before, and maternity benefits would be introduced anew.

Under the existing scheme, compensation for loss of wages was provided only for the earning member, but beginning Friday, it would also be extended to the spouse.

Mr. Chidambaram pointed out that before the UPA came to power, the allocation for health was Rs. 8000 crore. It had increased over the years and in the Eleventh Five year plan, the allocation would be Rs.1,40,000 crore.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National