Megha Health Insurance Scheme policy period extended

Meghalaya Health Minister A L Hek today said the state government has decided to extend the policy period of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS-III) till October 1 this year.

The policy period ends tomorrow and the department has decided to extend till October 1, the minister told mediapersons here.

Once the period ends and the new MHIS-IV begins, Hek said adding that the insurance cover of Rs 2.80 lakh will be increased to Rs 5 lakh.

The government had already approved the fourth phase of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) in convergence with the Central scheme of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission or Ayushman Bharat.

According to the Health minister, the fourth phase will cover all the residents of the state and there will be no biometric enrolment as was the case in the past but all citizens will be entitled to the insurance scheme.

Hek also informed that the fourth phase will be launched as and when the Central scheme of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission or Ayushman Bharat is rolled out at the national level.

Launched in 2012, the MHIS is a universal health insurance scheme for all residents of Meghalaya excluding state and central government employees.

The scheme is aimed provide financial aid to all the citizens of the state at the time of hospitalisation and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.