For many Indians, healthcare expenditure is one of the major issues of life. People may also fall into poverty because of healthcare expenses. An illness can thus rob you of not only your health but your wealth as well.
The Assam government has launched an initiative to cover health costs for its most vulnerable residents. It is called Atal Amrit Abhiyan, and it serves low-income households. The government wants to make the scheme self-sustainable with an increase in enrollment. Here’s all you need to know about it.
What is Atal Amrit Abhiyan?
Atal Amrit Abhiyan, a health insurance scheme, provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 2 lakh per family member per year. It was launched in 2016, and it is aimed at Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families with annual family income of up to Rs. 5 lakh. If a child is under 18, then the head of the family can register on the child’s behalf.
The treatment under the scheme is cashless. The patient simply needs to use a laminated ID card when seeking treatment.
The Atal Amrit Abhiyan aims to cover people in all districts of Assam. Under this scheme, both public and private healthcare members can get insurance. Beneficiaries can get treatment at empanelled hospitals both in Assam as well as in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, and Mumbai. If the treatment takes place outside of Assam, a daily allowance of Rs. 1000 will be provided up to a maximum limit of Rs. 10,000.
The Atal Amrit Abhiyan also provides a transport allowance of up to Rs. 3000 per year. It translates to Rs. 300 per visit.
The Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society is responsible for implementing this scheme. It has selected an Implementing Support Agency (ISA) called Medi Assist Insurance TPA Pvt. Ltd for processing insurance claims and providing IT support.
Diseases Covered by Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card
Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme covers 438 treatments, surgeries, and medical procedures along with follow-up treatment for the following six types of diseases and problems.
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Neurological disorder
- Neonatal diseases
- Burns
The Atal Amrit Abhiyan also covers pre-existing diseases. It means if a patient had any disease before they enrolled for the scheme, then treatment for that too can be covered under this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for Atal Amrit Abhiyan
The Assam government has laid down certain eligibility criteria for the Atal Amrit Abhiyan. You can find them below.
- The annual income of the family must be below Rs. 5 lakh.
- Employees of Central and State governments cannot enrol under this scheme.
- Family must have proper documentation to prove that they fall under BPL or APL categories.
- Individual must be a resident of Assam.
Documents Required For Atal Amrit Abhiyan
As per the official website, following documents are necessary to enrol for Atal Amrit Abhiyan.
- Voter ID card
- EPIC card
- Birth certificatefor applicants below the age of 18
- Income Certificate
- Other valid documents
- Ration card issued by Assam government under National Food Security Act.
- A doctor has to attest to a photograph of the patient.
Fees for Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card
As the scheme applies to BPL and APL families, fees for both have been divided accordingly.
- BPL families with an annual income of less than Rs 1.2 lakh will have to pay no fee for this scheme.
- APL families with an annual income between Rs. 1.2 lakh and 5 lakh will have to pay Rs. 100 per year per family member. The fees will be deposited with Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society.
Registering for Atal Amrit Abhiyan
You can register for the Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme by visiting an Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card enrollment center. Here are the steps.
- Go to your nearest Atal Amrit Abhiyan card enrollment centre.
- Submit the filled-up application form and all your documents for verification.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Members of APL families are required to submit Rs. 100 per head.
After the Atal Amrit Abhiyan card verification process is complete, your card will be issued.
For more information
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/aaas-assam