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Odisha Launches Unified Health Insurance Scheme
Scheme Integration & Objective:
- Unified Health Insurance Scheme integrates the central Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) with the state-sponsored Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
- The aim is to provide seamless, quality healthcare and financial protection to vulnerable sections under a single umbrella.
Key Features & Coverage:
- Beneficiary Reach:
- Approximately 3.5 crore individuals from 1.03 crore families across Odisha will benefit.
- Financial Protection:
- Each family is eligible for an annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh, with additional benefits—such as an extra Rs 5 lakh for women members.
- Special Provision for Senior Citizens:
- The scheme introduces the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, ensuring free health coverage of Rs 5 lakh for all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.
- Families with a senior citizen member may get an increased overall cover of up to Rs 15 lakh.
- Expanded Network:
- Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across the country, a significant jump from the earlier network under state schemes.
Government Initiatives & Budget Allocation:
- Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across the country, a significant jump from the earlier network under state schemes.
- Inaugurated By:
- Union Health Minister JP Nadda officially launched the scheme at an event held at the Bali Jatra ground in Cuttack.
- Distinguished dignitaries including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo, Pravati Parida, and State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling were in attendance.
- Budgetary Support:
- The Odisha Cabinet has approved a substantial budget allocation of Rs 27,019 crore for a five-year period to ensure the smooth implementation and sustainability of the initiative.
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