Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana: Eligibility & Benefits

Launched by the Government of Gujarat on September 4, 2012, Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana was introduced as a health insurance scheme to provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare services to the economically disadvantaged population in Gujarat.

What is Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana?

The Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA) Yojana is a flagship healthcare scheme implemented by the Government of Gujarat, India. It is designed to provide comprehensive health coverage and financial protection to economically disadvantaged families, particularly those living below the poverty line and low-income groups.

This initiative aims to make quality healthcare accessible to vulnerable populations, improve healthcare outcomes, and alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses, ultimately contributing to the well-being of families. The MA Yojana has been a crucial step in the direction of achieving universal healthcare coverage.

Features and Benefits of Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana

The Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana in Gujarat, India, offers several features and benefits to eligible beneficiaries. Here are the key features and advantages of the scheme:

Health Coverage: MA Yojana provides comprehensive health coverage, including hospitalisation expenses, surgeries, and post-hospitalisation care, for specified medical conditions.

Insurance Coverage: Beneficiaries receive insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, which can be used to cover medical expenses at empanelled hospitals.

Smart Health Cards: Smart health cards are issued to beneficiaries, containing personal information and scheme details, simplifying identification and facilitating cashless transactions.

Coverage for Critical Illnesses: MA Yojana covers a wide range of critical illnesses, including cancer, heart diseases, kidney diseases, and neurological disorders.

Transportation Expenses: In some cases, the scheme may cover transportation expenses for patients who need to be transferred from one hospital to another for specialised treatment.

Financial Security: The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on families, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare without worrying about the cost.

Improved Healthcare Outcomes: By providing access to timely and quality medical treatment, MA Yojana contributes to better healthcare outcomes and overall well-being for beneficiaries.

Government and Private Hospitals: The scheme includes a mix of government and private hospitals in its network, giving beneficiaries options for their healthcare needs.

List of Diseases And Treatments Covered Under MA Yojana:

The Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana covers a wide range of diseases and treatments. Here is a list of some of the major diseases and treatments that are typically covered and excluded under the scheme.

Inclusions:

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart surgeries and treatments.
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Neurological disorders, such as brain surgeries and treatment for epilepsy.
Kidney-related diseases and dialysis.
Organ transplant surgeries (liver, kidney, heart, etc.).
Burns and plastic surgeries.
Neonatal surgeries for newborns.
Orthopaedic treatments, including joint replacements.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment.
Prosthetic devices and implants.
Inpatient care and hospitalisation expenses.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific diseases and treatments covered may vary over time and depending on the current guidelines of the scheme.

Exclusions:

Outpatient care: The scheme primarily covers inpatient hospitalisation expenses and treatments. Outpatient treatments, doctor’s consultations, and medicines prescribed outside the hospital are typically not covered.
Pre-existing conditions: In some cases, pre-existing conditions may not be covered or have a waiting period before coverage begins.
Cosmetic surgeries: Surgeries and treatments performed for purely cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Non-emergency treatments: Medical procedures that are not considered emergencies or medically necessary may not be covered.
Certain experimental treatments: Experimental or investigational treatments that have not been widely accepted in medical practice may not be covered.
Dental and vision care: Dental treatments, routine eye examinations, and vision correction procedures are typically not covered.
Non-emergency transportation: While transportation for emergencies may be covered, non-emergency transit may not be included.

Eligibility For Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana

Income Criteria: The scheme is intended for families with low incomes. While there may not be a specific income threshold mentioned in the eligibility criteria, it generally includes BPL families and those belonging to economically weaker sections.
Age Criteria: There are no specific age restrictions for eligibility. The scheme covers individuals of all age groups, including children, adults, and senior citizens.
Family Composition: The scheme covers families as a whole. Inclusions are typically based on family composition, and certain categories of families ( annual income till ₹4 lakh) may be automatically included in the scheme. Alao includes Senior citizens whose annual family income is up to ₹6 lakh
Identification: Beneficiaries must have valid identification documents to enrol in the scheme. These documents are used to issue smart health cards for identification and facilitate cashless transactions at empanelled hospitals.
Employment: Workers nominated by the state government to Class 3 and Class 4 jobs on a fixed salary, Accredited reporters are recognised and authorised members of the media. ASHA employees who are certified healthcare practitioners, Individuals with U-win cards, which are often provided to unorganised sector employees
Enrolment: Families meeting the eligibility criteria can enrol in the scheme through designated enrolment centres or processes established by the state government.

How To Enroll In Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana?

The government authorities in Gujarat compile a list of families with an annual income below ₹4 lakh for enrolment in the “MA” and “MA Vatsalya” healthcare schemes.

This list is available on the Gujarat website for reference by vendors. Families can enrol at Taluka or Civic Centers, with mobile kiosks also deployed for wider accessibility. Biometric data is collected, and families receive an MA Amrutam card, scheme pamphlet, and a list of approved hospitals upon successful enrolment.

Documents Required To Apply For MA Yojana

To apply for the scheme, you typically need proof of identity, proof of residence, an income certificate, passport-size photographs, the smart health card application form, and bank account details. Additional documents like a BPL card may be required in certain cases.

How To Renew MA Yojana Smart Health Card?

To continue receiving MA Amrutam card benefits, beneficiaries must renew it after its 3-year validity. Initially, Mukhyamantri Amrutum Vatsalya cards were valid for 1 year but extended to 3 years after 2015. Renewal is straightforward, requiring an income certificate and the previous MA card. It can be done by phone or by visiting a kiosk.

How To Claim MA Yojana?

The scheme simplifies the claim process. Members can present their QR cards at network hospitals without needing documents. Quick verification allows immediate treatment, and claims are cashless, easing financial burdens. Hospitals handle information exchange with the insurance company, simplifying the process further.

Conclusion

The Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana is a transformative healthcare initiative providing vital financial protection and access to quality medical treatment for economically disadvantaged families. With its streamlined enrolment, easy claim process, and extensive coverage, the scheme has significantly improved healthcare accessibility, reduced the financial burden of medical expenses and contributed to better health outcomes for beneficiaries.