Various schemes to financially support divyang's healthcare: Govt
Under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme provides affordable health coverage specifically for PwD wherein beneficiaries can avail up to Rs. 1 lakh in medical insurance benefits without the requirement of pre-insurance medical tests, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
He further said the central flagship scheme, PM-JAY, offers cashless treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary healthcare. Approximately 12 crore families, including many PwDs identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011), are set to benefit.
The scheme particularly emphasises support for rural and vulnerable populations, with specific inclusion criteria such as 'Disabled member and no able-bodied adult member.'
The National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, provides vital financial assistance of up to Rs. 50 lakhs for the treatment of 63 rare diseases. This support is delivered through 14 designated Centres of Excellence, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for affected families and improving access to specialised care, said the Minister.
Further, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in its order has directed the insurers to make available products/add-ons/riders to provide wider choice to the policyholders/prospects catering to all ages, all types of existing medical conditions, pre-existing diseases, chronic conditions etc, added Jadhav.
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