Kerala: Health insurance for government staff, pensioners

Thiruvananthapuram: The state cabinet on Thursday  decided to implement a health insurance scheme for government employees and government pensioners on the basis of the recommendation of the 10th pay revision commission. The present reimbursement scheme will continue till the health insurance is implemented. An amount of Rs 300 will be deducted from the salary of employees every month for the payment of insurance premium. The pensioners will stop getting Rs 300 as monthly medical allowance as this amount will be credited towards the insurance premium.

Once the insurance scheme comes into existence, interest-free medical loan now being given to employees will be stopped.   After the implementation of the scheme the beneficiaries will get treatment without paying the medical bill, which will be paid by the insurance company through government channels. The insurance will also cover treatment for existing diseases. The cabinet decided to invite applications from insurance companies with IRDA approval for the implementation of the scheme. Preference will be given to four public sector companies.