Launched in 2007 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme is a comprehensive health insurance initiative aimed at providing financial security and improved healthcare access to disadvantaged individuals in society.
Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme: Objective and Eligibility
The primary objective of this scheme is to offer a safety net for the underprivileged, ensuring they can receive high-quality medical treatments without facing financial burdens. With an extensive list of 938 medical and surgical procedures covered, including critical treatments for heart, kidney, liver, cancer, burns, and polytrauma, the scheme encompasses a wide range of healthcare needs. Notably, it also caters to pre-existing conditions and follow-up treatments, demonstrating its commitment to holistic healthcare support.
The goal is to offer financial security and good healthcare to impoverished families in the state. Families that are below the poverty line and are listed in the Civil Supplies Department database or have a white ration card or Aarogyasri health card are eligible for this program.
Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme: Implementation
The implementation of the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme involves the establishment of a vast network of empanelled hospitals, consisting of both public and private healthcare facilities, spanning across the state and even throughout the country. This extensive network ensures that beneficiaries can avail themselves of quality medical services without any inconvenience.
The scheme in India is highly innovative and technologically advanced, receiving praise for its positive effects on health outcomes, reducing expenses, improving hospital facilities, and increasing awareness among the poor. It has even inspired other states to implement similar schemes. However, the scheme has also faced challenges and criticisms, including concerns about sustainability, the quality of care, exclusion errors, and a lack of primary and preventive healthcare.
Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme: Coverage
The Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme in Andhra Pradesh utilises smart cards and biometric verification to simplify the treatment process and eliminate the need for cash transactions. It provides coverage of up to ₹ 2 lakh per year for families, offering financial stability during medical emergencies. The scheme prioritises those in need by using Below Poverty Line ration cards to identify eligible beneficiaries. The registration fee is affordable at ₹30. Overall, the scheme is an initiative by the government to provide healthcare for the less privileged, offering comprehensive coverage and equitable access to quality services.
The scheme includes a wide range of medical treatments and surgeries, such as heart, liver, kidney, cancer, burns, and polytrauma. It also covers pre-existing conditions and follow-up treatments. The scheme provides reimbursement of up to ₹1.5 lakh per family per year, with an additional benefit of ₹50,000 for expenses exceeding this amount. Additionally, it covers cochlear implant surgery with auditory-verbal therapy for children under 6 years old, with a limit of ₹6.5 lakh per case.
Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme: How to apply
There are multiple ways to apply for the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme, depending on where you are and what you prefer. You can get it from a hospital or Aarogyamithra. You can also apply through the Aarogyasri mobile app. After applying, you will receive an acknowledgement number to track your application status.
To apply for the Aarogyasri card online, here are a few easy steps:
Visit the Gramaward Sachivalaya official site
Click on the Aarogyasri dashboard
Login to the portal, complete the application form with your personal and family details
Upload scanned copies of your documents
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement number to track your application
Alternatively, you can apply offline by following similar steps:
Download the application form from the official website here or
Get it from Network Hospital or Arrogamisra
Please complete the form and attach copies of your documents
Submit your application to a network hospital or Aarogyamithra
You will receive an approval number that can be used to track your application status
To download the card, go to the closest MeeSeva Centre and use the MeeSeva Agent Login ID & Password to apply for a health card
Give all the necessary documents and information to the agent at the MeeSeva centre
You will obtain your health card once it has been verified
The documents needed for enrolling in the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme include:
Aadhaar card
Proof of address
Proof of income
Rajiv Aarogyasri Health card or
Any card indicating the patient is from below the poverty line, and
A bank passbook with necessary detail
The Aarogyasri scheme is a state-run, health insurance scheme. The scheme has been launched to enable improved access to healthcare for people who would otherwise struggle to afford it.Therefore, it is important to check for regular updates and you can contact the helpline number in case of queries: 1800-425-7788.