Health Insurance for People Below the Poverty Line

In modern times, medical care price rates are skyrocketing. This is especially true for low-income people lying below the poverty line. Consequently, the poor of India belonging to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category are being oppressed by expensive medical bills, making the situation all the more dire. Hence, the government has launched numerous health insurance schemes to provide quality health care services to the poor of India while alleviating the burden of cost from you. Let’s take a quick look at these health insurance policies and how they benefit you, the common man.

 

Health insurance for the Poor in India

Before 2007, health insurance was never considered an option for the poor. To avail of health insurance, a premium had to be saved and paid. Hence, the responsibility for providing good medical care to the poor fell upon the government. The Government of India has launched the benchmark National Health Insurance Policy to provide affordable yet quality health care services for the poor and those Below the Poverty Line. It has been envisioned to cover more than 10 crore economically vulnerable families’ health care. Annual coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family is provided by the scheme. 

 

But what is the difference between regular health insurance policies and health insurance policies for people lying Below the Poverty Line? Given below is a comparison between the two for your clarity.

 

Parameters	Health insurance scheme for BPL families	Regular health insurance plans
Premium	Starting from Rs. 30 depending on the terms and conditions.	Starting from rates higher than the health policies for BPL families.
Payment	The total or partial premium is paid by the government.	Premium is paid by the primary policyholders.
Sum Insured	Till Rs. 5 lakh	Till Rs. 1 crore
Types of hospitals	Private and public	Private and public
Cashless facility	At network hospitals	At network hospitals

 

Health Insurance Schemes for BPL Cardholders

Following is a list of health insurance for bpl card holders released by the Government of India

Ayushman Bharat Yojana:

With the initiative of Universal Health Coverage in mind, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, in accordance with the recommendations provided by the National Health Policy. The policy, also called Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is aimed at helping the poor and vulnerable sections of society. For a premium of as low as Rs. 30 per annum, coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family is offered by the policy in a year. And the already existing conditions are all met on the first day.

 

Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY):

Personal accidents and rural households with no property are covered by this type of health insurance scheme. The policy covers a total of 45 occupational groups. The government is responsible for paying the total premium, and the coverage repayment falls upon only one member of your family (usually the head of the family or any earning member). According to this plan, the payout for natural death is Rs. 30,000 and in the case of permanent disability or accidental death, the payout is Rs. 75,000. For partial permanent disability, you are granted Rs. 37,500.

 

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY):

The primary demographics of the RSBY health insurance policy are BPL cardholders, especially those belonging to the unorganised sector. You and your family will be provided with coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 per family per annum under this scheme. Pre-existing diseases are covered from the beginning and you (the beneficiaries of the policy) can avail cashless hospitalisation. 75% of the annual premium rate is contributed by the government. Only Rs. 30 per annum is to be paid by you as renewal or registration fees. Respective state governments shoulder the expenses for the smart card and the cost of administering the policy.

 

Employment State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)

Workers employed in non-seasonal factories with a minimum of 10 employees are covered by this policy. In case of disability or disease, the scheme provides coverage for you and your dependents on hospitalisation costs as well as cash benefits. If you (the employees) have an accident or pass away while working, your family will get the benefit in addition to a standard pension.

 

Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS):

(UHIS) Universal Health Insurance Scheme was launched by the Government to cater to the lower-income population of India, both Above and Below the Poverty Line. You can claim up to Rs. 15,000 for a single disease under this scheme. An additional Rs. 2,500 is provided as maternity cover for normal delivery while Rs. 3,000 is provided for caesarean delivery. You can also claim coverage of Rs. 25,000 in case an accident occurs with the main earning member of your family.

 

Conclusion

India has a sizable population that is below the poverty line and unable to purchase health insurance. However, a good deal of health insurance plans, including the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Rashtriya Swasthiya Bima Yojana, and Universal Health Insurance Scheme, are accessible to BPL households. In order to have comprehensive medical care when needed, enrol in one of the government-run health insurance programs if you fall into one of the lower income categories. For more details, visit Niva Bupa.