The Governor of J&K had scrapped the insurance policy for the employees after a scandal involving Reliance insurance and state government came to fore a few months back. After scrapping of the old policy, the SAC under the chairmanship of the Governor Had approved 'Trust Based Health Insurance Policy' for the employees of J&K on 28th January but no progress has been made in this regard till date. The treatment cost have soared to such levels that it is impossible for an honest government employee to afford treatment for himself/herself or his near and dear ones in case of serious illness. However, government has taken an indifferent view in this regard till date.
The government while announcing the Trust based insurance scheme had stated that after the scrapping of previous Medi Claim Policy, State Government constituted a Committee of officers headed by Principal Secretary, Health & Medical Education to examine the possibility of operating the Health Insurance Scheme through Third Party Administrator (TPA) by dispensing with the insurer and intermediary. The Committee was mandated to determine the contours of such scheme and a selection procedure.
The Committee after discussing and analyzing health insurance models of various states submitted its report along with three models. The SAC considered the options/models suggested by the Committee of officers' vis-a-vis advantages-disadvantages of each model.
After considering feasibility of various models and their merits, the SAC decided that 'Trust Model' may be implemented for the employee's health insurance across the State for its added advantages.
"Under this model, a Trust will be set up by the State Government. The Trust may design appropriate insurance product and offer it to designated beneficiaries i.e State Government employees/pensioners. The administration of the scheme including collection of premium, enrollment of the insured, settlement of claims will be with the said Trust. This measure will address the issue on long term basis and do away with issues of renewal and other issues which crop up every now and then. This will also ensure close monitoring. The SAC directed the Health and Medical Education Department to take necessary measures in this regard," reads the official handout dated 28 January, 2018.
Since it is believed that bureaucratic hurdles are less during the Governor's administration, it is hoped that Governor shall intervene and a health insurance policy shall soon be implemented for the employees.
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