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Health insurance for BPL families

Special Correspondent

Rashtriya Swasthya Beema Yojana from April 1
Unorganised sector workers and their families will benefit

NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes on Friday released a ‘Smart Card’ that will entitle the holder to health insurance cover up to Rs. 30,000 through listed hospitals.

All families below the poverty line (BPL) will get health insurance cover under the Rashtriya Swasthya Beema Yojana from April 1. The Smart Card will carry details of a BPL worker and his family with a photograph.

The scheme will cover 1.2 crore BPL workers this year and the total expenditure is likely to cost the government Rs. 973.50 crore.

Free, fair distribution

The insurance cover will involve the insurance agency, the hospital and the government representative to ensure free and fair distribution of the cards. Unorganised sector workers and their families will benefit.

The government will make an annual contribution of Rs. 750 per family. This is 75 per cent of the estimated annual premium. The cost of the Smart Card will also be paid by the Centre, according to Mr. Fernandes.

The State governments will pay 25 per cent of the annual premium and, if required, will also pay any additional premium. The health insurance will ensure cashless transactions. Regular transaction details will be sent to insurance companies.

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