Top 10 Government Health Schemes for Indians

The Indian government has rolled out several health insurance schemes to aid people facing health issues and related challenges across the nation. With the soaring costs of medical treatments, health insurance has become increasingly pricey. However, these schemes aim to make quality healthcare accessible to everyone, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged. Regardless of caste or gender, every Indian citizen can benefit from these health schemes, which offer assistance for accessing free medical treatments. Stay tuned for more information on these invaluable Health Schemes for Indian citizens.

Importance of Government Health Schemes

Government Health schemes are lifelines for individuals seeking free medical treatment at reputable hospitals. These programs, supported by both central and state governments, aim to provide affordable and sometimes free medical assistance for the well-being of citizens. With numerous health schemes initiated by the Indian Government, especially targeting those facing financial hardships, there’s a concerted effort to enhance India’s healthcare system. The overarching goal is to ensure all citizens have access to top-notch healthcare. By promoting health insurance and implementing these schemes, the government is steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its people, leaving no one behind without essential medical aid.

Objective behind Government Health Schemes

The main goal of Government health schemes is to provide much-needed financial security to those facing urgent healthcare needs. With skyrocketing medical costs, many financially unstable individuals find themselves in dire situations. That’s where government health insurance programs step in, offering vital financial assistance to the underprivileged. In India, numerous government health insurance plans have been launched to benefit its people. These schemes cover hospital bills, provide cashless treatments, and offer accident benefits. Available to all eligible citizens, these programs ensure that everyone can access the benefits of national health schemes, regardless of their financial status.

Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Introducing Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a government health insurance program aimed at supporting individuals in dire financial straits. This initiative extends medical coverage to households, catering to major to extreme health issues with coverage of up to ₹5 Lakh. Notably, beneficiaries of this government health insurance program are not discriminated against based on gender, age, or family size. PMJAY, as it’s known, is a boon for low-income families, ensuring quality medical care with coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per household. With access to excellent healthcare facilities, beneficiaries can truly benefit from this impactful scheme.

Name of the Scheme	Government Health Scheme
Launched by	Central government of India
Beneficiaries	Citizens of India
Objective	To provide health insurance to deserving and needy people
Application Mode	Both offline and online
Official Website	https://main.mohfw.gov.in/

 

List of Government Health Schemes

Scheme Name	Launching Authority
Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana	Central Government of India
Central Government Health Scheme	Central Government of India
Ayushman Bharat Yojana	Central Government of India
Universal Health Insurance Scheme	Central Government of India
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana	Central Government of India
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana	Maharashtra State Government
West Bengal Health Scheme	West Bengal State Government
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme	Goa State Government
Rajiv Aarogyasri Telangana	Telangana State Government

Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana

The Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) is specifically designed to support various laborers including handloom weavers, fishermen, carpenters, and others. This initiative offers financial security to these hardworking individuals. Previously, there were two similar policies, Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) and AABY, until they were merged into a single policy in 2013. Under this scheme, individuals receive insurance coverage of Rs. 30,000 annually. To qualify, one must be either the head of the household or an earner with income falling below the BPL Category. Additionally, they must be employed in one of the government labor departments.

Central Government Health Scheme

• Who’s Eligible: Only Central Government employees can benefit from this scheme.
• Beneficiaries: This scheme covers pensioners, Delhi police officers, freedom fighters, and dependent family members residing in CGHS-covered areas.

Universal Health Insurance Scheme

• Objective: Designed to assist India’s economically disadvantaged citizens.
• Coverage: Individuals aged 5 to 70 can access quality treatment.
• Benefits: Offers coverage for accidental deaths and medical expenses for individuals and their families.
• Coverage Details: Rs. 30,000 for hospitalization of a family member and a daily benefit of Rs. 50 for the earning head of the household.

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

Introducing the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, a government health program by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. This initiative is tailored for laborers and individuals in unorganized sectors, offering medical coverage and emergency health benefits for their families. Families falling below the poverty line (BPL) can access healthcare protection through this program. With coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 for various illnesses, there’s no age restriction, and all health conditions are covered. Plus, beneficiaries can use smart cards for cashless treatment at accredited hospitals nationwide, eliminating the need for cash or paper records.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana

• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, a health care initiative by the Maharashtra government, aimed at providing coverage to economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Policyholders can claim medical expenses up to ₹1.5 Lakh for illnesses or diseases from the day the policy is issued, with certain districts in the state being eligible for the maximum coverage.

West Bengal Health Scheme

West Bengal Health Scheme, a program by the West Bengal government since 2008, catering to State government employees. Employees and their families can avail insurance coverage up to ₹1 Lakh, covering various medical expenses including OPD care, surgeries, and hospital stays. This scheme also extends to retirees. In 2014, it was updated as the West Bengal Health for All Employees and Pensioners Cashless Medical Treatment Scheme, ensuring a total coverage of Rs. 1 Lakh for both individuals and their families. While OPD and surgeries are covered, cosmetic surgery and non-emergency procedures are excluded.

Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme

• The National Trust Act of 1999 offers accessible health insurance for individuals with disabilities.
• Beneficiaries receive annual renewals with up to one lakh in insurance coverage.
• The scheme grants access to various medical facilities, including OPD treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, regular check-ups, preventive dentistry, surgeries, hospitalization, corrective surgeries, continued therapies, and alternative medicine.
• Eligibility requires payment of a premium: Rs. 500 for APL categories and Rs. 250 for BPL categories.
• Renewal premiums are Rs. 250 and Rs. 50, respectively.

Rajiv Aarogyasri Telangana

Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme by the Andhra Pradesh government, tailored for low-income families. Beneficiaries enjoy a range of benefits, including follow-up facilities, cashless medical services, coverage for pre-existing diseases, and outpatient care. This distinctive community health insurance program provides financial protection to families below the poverty line, offering up to Rs. 10 lakhs per year for severe illnesses requiring hospitalization or surgery, as well as up to Rs. 10 lakhs for upscale procedures. Covering 1672 treatments, this scheme aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for all.