A key change is portability. Beneficiaries of the two schemes can now avail healthcare services not only in West Bengal but also at empanelled hospitals across the country.
Here is what changes for beneficiaries.
Who will be covered?
The two schemes will be implemented together, with beneficiaries getting the same benefits, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Around 80 lakh families that are not eligible for Ayushman Bharat will be covered under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, Adhikari said.
The state will also bring around 40 lakh senior citizens under the CM’s health scheme. Adhikari said there would be no eligibility criteria for these senior citizens.
How much health cover is available?
Beneficiaries will be entitled to cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee said.
The schemes will cover around 1,950 treatment packages, up from more than 1,700 procedures available under the state’s earlier health scheme.
Can beneficiaries get treatment outside West Bengal?
Yes. This is one of the key changes under the new arrangement.
Earlier, the state government’s health scheme was limited to West Bengal. Beneficiaries can now access treatment at hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat across the country.
The state government said beneficiaries will have access to around 38,600 hospitals across India.
Within West Bengal, the two schemes will cover 1,240 private hospitals and 627 government medical facilities, according to the state government.
What if a person is not eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
Those who do not qualify for Ayushman Bharat will be covered under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, the state government said.
The number of such beneficiaries is expected to be around 80 lakh families, according to Adhikari.
Are the benefits under both schemes different?
Adhikari said beneficiaries under the two schemes will get the same benefits.
The state government said the integration will give people wider access to specialised medical facilities outside West Bengal.
What about medicines?
Beneficiaries will also have access to 100 Amrit pharmacies and around 480 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras at government hospitals across the state, following agreements reached as part of the programme.
Who will fund the scheme?
The Centre has allocated around ₹1,000 crore for implementation of Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee said.
The Centre will bear 60% of the funding, while the remaining 40% will be borne by the state government.
What concerns have private hospitals raised?
Some private hospitals, including facilities run by the Ramakrishna Mission, have raised concerns over reimbursement rates under the schemes.
Adhikari said the state government would look into their concerns and work with private hospitals to ensure beneficiaries receive quality treatment without disruption.
What is the key change for beneficiaries?
The major change is that beneficiaries of the two schemes can now access treatment beyond West Bengal through the wider Ayushman Bharat hospital network.
The state government has also expanded the number of treatment packages available under the health cover to around 1,950.
-With PTI inputs
