The Hindu Business Line : YSR launches health scheme for journalists

THE Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has launched a health insurance scheme for working journalists of Andhra Pradesh here on Sunday.

This is considered the first of its kind insurance scheme in the country exclusively for journalists.

Addressing a gathering on the eve he promised to examine the possibility of introducing another insurance scheme for the poor in the State who were unable to meet the high cost of healthcare.

Expressing concern for those who did not have access to specialised treatment owing to lack of financial resources, Dr Reddy said the State Government was examining the possibility of introducing a health insurance scheme that would cater to these sections.

The Group mediclaim policy for working journalists was devised by the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) department in alliance with the United India Insurance Company Ltd. Dr Reddy said the insurance policy covers hospitalisation expenses arising out of accident, illness and disease. It covers room rent, nursing expenses, specialists and surgeons fees, diagnostic charges and the cost of medicines.

The policy was designed to cover a family size of one plus three with a sum insured, which could be availed by any one or all the four members. The scheme covers people in the age group of three months to 65 years. Expenses incurred prior to admission of up to 30 days (pre-hospitalisation) and after discharge up to 60 days (post hospitalisation) were also covered in the policy.

The Chief Minister said the total cost of the health insurance coverage for selected 2,500 journalists was Rs 47 lakh. Of this, the Government would contribute Rs 40 lakh, while the balance amount would be collected from the journalists.

More Stories on : Newspapers & Publishing | General Insurance | Health | Andhra Pradesh

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