The Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (AB-SSBY) is a healthcare initiative launched by the Punjab Government on August 20, 2019. This scheme aims to provide health insurance coverage to approximately 40 lakh families, which accounts for about 65% of Punjab’s population.
Under SSBY, eligible families receive cashless medical services up to ₹5 lakh annually. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses, ensuring that no family has to compromise on healthcare due to lack of funds.
- Objective: Enhance healthcare access and provide financial security against high medical costs.
- Coverage: Offers free treatment at government and designated private health institutions.
- Beneficiaries: Includes households identified through SECC 2011 data, smart ration card holders, individuals below the poverty line, J-form holder farmers, small and marginal farmers, yellow card journalists, and registered construction laborers.
This initiative represents a significant step towards universal health coverage in Punjab, addressing both preventive and curative health needs for a substantial portion of the population.
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What Is Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY) is a comprehensive health insurance initiative launched by the Punjab Government to provide free health insurance coverage. The scheme aims at extending financial protection to families, ensuring they receive necessary medical care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses.
| Scheme Name | Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana) |
| Nodal Agency | State Health Agency, Punjab Government |
| Benefits | Free Cashless Treatment up to Rs 5,00,000 per family annually |
| Beneficiaries | Residents of Punjab (covers approximately 65% of state population) |
| Status | Active |
| Official Website | sha.punjab.gov.in |
| Coverage | 1579 medical procedures, including pre and post-hospitalization |
| E-Card Fee | Rs. 30/- |
Objectives Of SSBY
The primary objectives of the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana are:
- Financial Protection: Safeguard families against high medical costs.
- Universal Healthcare Access: Ensure that every eligible family has access to quality healthcare services.
- Health Equity: Bridge the gap in healthcare access between different socio-economic groups.
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Coverage Under SSBY Punjab
The Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY) offers extensive coverage to ensure that families in Punjab receive the medical attention they need without financial strain. The scheme’s medical expenses coverage is up to a maximum limit of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, making it one of the most comprehensive health insurance plans available for low-income households.
Medical Conditions Covered
SSBY covers a wide array of medical conditions, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to essential and specialized treatments. Here are some key categories of medical conditions included:
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Examples: Angioplasty, heart bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation
- Cancer Treatments: Examples: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical oncology
- Renal Conditions: Examples: Dialysis, kidney transplant
- Neurological Disorders: Examples: Brain surgery, treatment for stroke
- Orthopedic Procedures: Examples: Joint replacement surgeries, fracture treatment
- Maternity and Newborn Care: Examples: C-section deliveries, neonatal intensive care
Specialized Treatments
The scheme also extends its coverage to specialized treatments that might otherwise be too costly for low-income families:
- Organ Transplants: Including liver, kidney, and corneal transplants.
- Critical Illnesses Management: Comprehensive care packages for illnesses like cancer and heart diseases.
With coverage for over 1,579 medical procedures and an annual limit of Rs 5 lakh per family, SSBY ensures comprehensive healthcare access. This initiative significantly alleviates the financial burden associated with serious medical conditions and treatments.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. Income Thresholds
Only individuals and families falling under certain income brackets qualify. This includes:
- Households identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
- Families with a smart ration card.
- Individuals Below Poverty Line (BPL).
2. Specific Groups
Additional categories of beneficiaries include:
- J-form holder farmers.
- Small and marginal farmers.
- Yellow card journalists.
- Registered construction laborers.
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Benefits
Comprehensive Advantages
Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY) offers a wide range of benefits designed to ensure that beneficiaries receive quality healthcare without the financial burden. Here are some key advantages:
- Cashless Hospitalization: One of the standout features is the provision for cashless treatment. Beneficiaries can avail medical services without worrying about upfront payments, making the process stress-free.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Diseases: Unlike many insurance schemes, SSBY covers pre-existing conditions right from the start. This means you don’t have to worry about waiting periods or exclusions for chronic diseases.
- Wide Range of Medical Procedures: The scheme covers over 1579 medical procedures. Whether it’s major surgeries, minor treatments, or specialized care, SSBY has got you covered.
Financial Protections
SSBY provides financial protection in various aspects of healthcare expenses:
- Hospitalization Costs: The scheme takes care of expenses related to hospitalization, including room charges, nursing fees, and surgery costs. This ensures that beneficiaries can focus on recovery rather than financial strain.
- Pre and Post-Hospitalization Expenses: Medical expenses incurred up to three days before admission and up to fifteen days post-discharge are covered. This includes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and medication costs.
- Daycare Surgeries: Certain medical procedures do not require prolonged hospital stays. SSBY covers these daycare surgeries as well, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Newborn Medical Expenses: The health of newborns is also safeguarded under this scheme. Any medical expenses incurred for newborns during their initial days are covered.
Accessibility And Ease Of Use
SSBY aims to make healthcare accessible and convenient for its beneficiaries:
- Wide Network of Empanelled Hospitals: Beneficiaries can choose from a vast network of empanelled hospitals across Punjab. This ensures accessibility to quality healthcare facilities close to home.
- E-card for Easy Access: The e-card provided upon registration simplifies the process of availing benefits. Presenting this card at an empanelled hospital is all it takes to receive cashless treatment.
With these extensive benefits, SSBY guarantees timely and quality medical care, alleviating the financial burden on low-income families.
How To Get Registered For SSBY Punjab
- Check if you are eligible: SECC 2011 data, smart ration card holders, below poverty line, J-form holder farmers, small and marginal farmers, yellow card journalists, registered construction laborers.
- Gather required documents: Aadhar Card for ID verification and proof of eligibility like food supply card or income certificate.
- Visit designated centers like Common Service Centers (CSCs) or Sewa Kendras.
- Submit documents and pay a nominal fee of ₹30 for processing.
- Officials will verify the submitted documents.
- Upon verification, an e-card will be issued for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
SSBY Card: E-Card Registration Process In Punjab
- Visit a designated center like Common Service Centers (CSCs) or Sewa Kendras.
- Bring required documents: Aadhar Card for ID verification.
- Proof of eligibility: food supply card, income certificate, or smart ration card.
- Pay a nominal fee of ₹30 for registration and e-card issuance.
- Present documents at the center for verification and details input.
- Receive an e-card on-the-spot after successful verification.
- Get a digital copy of the e-card via email or SMS for easy access.
List Of Hospitals Empanelled Under Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana In Punjab
Finding Empanelled Hospitals
- Visit the Official SSBY Website: Navigate to the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana official website.
- Hospital Search Tool: Use the “Find Hospital” feature on the homepage or under the ‘Hospitals’ section.
- Filter by Location: Enter your district or town to view a list of nearby empanelled hospitals.
- Contact Information: Each listed hospital includes contact details for verifying treatments and facilities available.
Network Coverage
Beneficiaries can choose from numerous government and private hospitals across Punjab:
- Government Hospitals: These institutions provide free treatment under SSBY, ensuring accessibility for all economic backgrounds.
- Private Hospitals: Selected private hospitals offer cashless treatments, giving beneficiaries more options for specialized care.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
A: It’s a free health insurance scheme launched by the Punjab Government in 2019, offering cashless medical services up to Rs 5 lakh annually per family.
Q: Who is eligible for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana?
A: Eligible beneficiaries include households listed in SECC 2011 data, ration card holders, BPL families, small farmers, journalists with yellow cards, and registered construction workers.
Q: How can I apply for the Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana?
A: There’s no need to apply. Eligible families are identified through various government databases. You only need to obtain an E-card from a Common Service Center or Sewa Kendra for Rs 30.
Q: What documents are required for the Sarbat Sehat Bima Scheme?
A: Required documents include a government-recognized ID (like Aadhar Card), Food Supply Card (or Family Declaration if unavailable), Income Certificate, and Construction Worker ID (if applicable).
Q: How many medical procedures are covered under this scheme?
A: The scheme covers 1579 medical procedures, including pre and post-hospitalization expenses, as well as treatment for newborns.