MHIS - Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme

Health insurance is an essential service that bridges the gap between the rising costs of healthcare and the economic constraints faced by individuals. In India, where a significant portion of the population falls below the poverty line, many states have introduced health insurance schemes to provide financial protection to their citizens. One such initiative is the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), launched by the government of Meghalaya to ensure universal healthcare access for the residents of the state. This article will explore the key features, benefits, and processes related to the MHIS, highlighting how it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of Meghalaya’s citizens.

What is the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS)?

The Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) is a government initiative aimed at providing financial protection and healthcare access to the residents of Meghalaya. Introduced as a state-specific program, MHIS ensures that every resident can avail of medical services without worrying about the costs. The scheme offers free hospitalisation and treatment coverage, extending healthcare benefits to both urban and rural populations across Meghalaya. This initiative has been aligned with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for better healthcare access and improved benefits for the people of Meghalaya.

By enrolling in the MHIS, beneficiaries can access a wide range of healthcare services, including treatments in public and empaneled private hospitals. The scheme primarily focuses on families in need, targeting the vulnerable and economically weaker sections of society. This program ensures that beneficiaries can receive quality medical care without financial hardship.

Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS): An overview

The following table provides a brief of the key features of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme:

Feature	Details
Launched by	Government of Meghalaya
Eligibility	All residents of Meghalaya (excludes government employees)
Coverage amount	Up to Rs. 5 lakh per family annually
Alignment	Integrated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Target population	Economically weaker sections, rural and urban residents
Hospitalisation coverage	Empaneled public and private hospitals
Enrollment process	Online and offline enrollment options available
Primary benefits	Free treatment, hospitalization, and pre-existing disease coverage
Website	https://mhis.org.in/

Benefits of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS)

The MHIS Meghalaya offers numerous benefits that make it one of the most comprehensive health insurance schemes in the region. These advantages help ensure that residents can receive the necessary medical attention without financial strain.

1. Financial protection

The MHIS provides families with coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually, safeguarding them against exorbitant medical bills and ensuring that even expensive treatments are covered.

2. Free hospitalisation

Enrolled beneficiaries can access hospitalisation services free of cost in empaneled hospitals, both government and private, across the state.

3. Comprehensive coverage

The scheme covers various types of treatments, including surgeries, pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and chronic illnesses, ensuring holistic healthcare for all.

4. Reduction of out-of-pocket expenses

By offering coverage for most medical expenses, MHIS reduces out-of-pocket expenditure, allowing residents to save their income for other essential needs.

5. Access to empaneled hospitals

Beneficiaries can receive treatment at government-run hospitals and select private hospitals empaneled under the scheme, expanding the reach and quality of healthcare services.

Read more: Benefits of health insurance

Eligibility criteria for MHIS

To avail of the benefits provided by MHIS Meghalaya, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
• Government employees and their dependents are excluded from the scheme.
• Individuals who are already enrolled in any other health insurance scheme are not eligible for the MHIS.
• Enrolment in the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY automatically makes the individual eligible for MHIS as well.

Eligible individuals are encouraged to enrol during the enrolment drive, which takes place periodically. The enrolment process can be completed through either online or offline channels.