The cost of medical treatment in India can be a significant financial burden, often pushing families into poverty. To address this critical issue, the Punjab government launched the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY), offering affordable insurance coverage to ensure that low-income individuals receive essential medical care.
Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana Overview
Introduced on August 20, 2019, the Ayushman Bharat Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana is a health insurance program aimed at providing affordable healthcare services to Punjab’s Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Eligible individuals can receive cashless treatment at government and private hospitals, with coverage up to ₹5 lakhs, eliminating the worry of medical expenses for beneficiaries.
Key Highlights of Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
- Name: Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
- Initiated by: Government of Punjab
- Introduced on: August 20, 2019
- Objective: To improve healthcare services and offer cashless medical care to the EWS at government and affiliated private institutions.
- Benefit: ₹5 lakh per family per year
Objectives of Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
The primary goal of the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana is to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses for low-income families in Punjab. By providing comprehensive insurance coverage, the scheme ensures that vulnerable populations can access necessary medical care without falling into poverty.
Benefits of Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
Key benefits of the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana include:
- Annual Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered from the start of the program.
- Medical Care Packages: 1,579 secondary and tertiary medical care packages available.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Up to three days before hospitalization and 15 days post-admission.
- Newborn Care: Medical expenses for newborns are covered.
- Daycare Surgeries: Included in the coverage.
Diseases Covered under Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
The scheme covers a wide range of diseases and medical conditions, including:
- General surgery
- Cardiology
- Mental disorders
- Eye surgery
- Orthopedics
- General medicine
- Pediatric surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Radiation oncology
- COVID-19
- Neurosurgery
- Cancer
- Polytrauma
- MRI and CT scans
Eligibility Criteria for Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
To qualify for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an official resident of Punjab.
- Possess a working ration card.
- Families covered based on SECC 2011 data.
- Families with smart ration cards.
- Small traders registered with the Excise & Taxation Department.
- Farmers with a J-form.
- Small and marginal farmers.
- Registered construction workers with the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
- Accredited journalists with a yellow card.
Steps to Register for Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
To register for the SSBY Scheme, follow these steps:
- Locate the nearest center in your town.
- Request the application form from the center’s officials.
- Complete the form with all required information and attach necessary supporting documents.
- Submit the completed form along with the supporting documents to the officials.
- If applicable, pay the required service fees.
Steps to Check the List of Linked Hospitals
To find the list of hospitals linked to the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the State Health Agency, Punjab https://sha.punjab.gov.in/shapunjab/index.php.
- Click on the “Hospitals” tab.
- Select the “Empanelled Hospitals” option.
- Enter the required details such as hospital type, district name, and specialization.
- Click the “Search” button to display all relevant hospital information.
The Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana 2024 is a crucial initiative to ensure that economically weaker sections in Punjab receive the medical care they need without financial strain. By offering substantial insurance coverage and promoting cashless treatment, the scheme aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all. If you are a resident of Punjab, take advantage of this scheme to secure a healthier and financially stable future for your family.
Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana FAQs:
What is the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
The Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY) is a health insurance program initiated by the Punjab government on August 20, 2019. It aims to provide affordable healthcare services to the economically weaker sections (EWS) of society, offering cashless treatment at both government and private hospitals with coverage up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year.
Who is eligible for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
To be eligible for SSBY, applicants must be residents of Punjab, possess a working ration card, and belong to families covered based on SECC 2011 data, smart ration cardholders, small traders registered with the Excise & Taxation Department, farmers with a J-form, small and marginal farmers, registered construction workers, and accredited journalists with a yellow card.
What medical expenses are covered under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
The SSBY covers up to ₹5 lakhs per family annually. It includes coverage for pre-existing conditions from the start, 1,579 secondary and tertiary medical care packages, up to three days before hospitalization and 15 days post-admission, medical expenses for newborns, and daycare surgeries.
How can I register for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
To register for the SSBY Scheme, visit the nearest center in your town, request the application form, complete it with the required information, attach necessary documents, submit the form to the officials, and pay any applicable service fees.
How can I find the list of hospitals linked to the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
What are the main benefits of the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
The main benefits of the SSBY include up to ₹5 lakhs in annual coverage per family, coverage of pre-existing conditions from the start, access to 1,579 medical care packages, coverage for up to three days before and 15 days after hospitalization, medical expenses for newborns, and inclusion of daycare surgeries.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
Yes, pre-existing conditions are covered under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana from the start of the program, ensuring that beneficiaries receive comprehensive healthcare coverage without exclusions.
What types of medical conditions and surgeries are covered under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
The SSBY covers a wide range of medical conditions and surgeries, including general surgery, cardiology, mental disorders, eye surgery, orthopedics, general medicine, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, radiation oncology, COVID-19, neurosurgery, cancer, polytrauma, MRI and CT scans, and more.
Is there any cost to apply for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
There may be a service fee required when submitting the application form at the registration center. The exact fee can vary, so it is advisable to inquire at the center where you are applying.
Where can I get more information about the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
For more detailed information about the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana and to apply, visit the official website of the State Health Agency, Punjab.
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