Thiruvananthapuram: State govt has decided to revive the medical reimbursement scheme for employees for treatments not covered by Medisep. This decision follows widespread complaints from govt employees.
Finance minister K N Balagopal held a discussion with representatives of the service organizations of govt employees and the main demand raised by the trade unions was to reintroduce the reimbursement scheme. It is also seen as a step by state govt to reintroduce the reimbursement scheme since Medisep is hanging in the balance.
The three-year agreement with the insurance company for Medisep scheme expires in June 2025, and it is uncertain whether this company will be willing to continue with their agreement. Govt employees are not happy with the present health insurance scheme. There are complaints that only one-third of the benefits assured are being received by the employees and that simultaneous treatment for multiple ailments is not available.
On the other hand, specialty hospitals have also raised issues – their main complaint being that the govt-set amounts for various treatments are insufficient. By the end of the scheme’s first year, several major hospitals withdrew from the scheme, which was a setback for govt. Meanwhile, the insurance company demanded an increase in premium amounts, claiming significant losses, causing further disruption to the scheme.
As a result, govt is planning to bring in certain amendments, including raising the premium amount. An expert committee was appointed to submit a report on how to revamp the Medisep scheme. It is learnt that the main recommendation of the committee is to increase the monthly premium amount of Rs 500 deducted from the employees.
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