GUWAHATI: Assam has approved the implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana (MMLSAY), which aims to streamline the medical reimbursement process for government employees and pensioners.
Under MMLSAY, all medical reimbursement claims will be processed through an online portal administered by the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society. One of the prominent features of the scheme is that it allows government employees and pensioners to seek medical treatment at both public and private hospitals registered under the Clinical Establishment Act. These hospitals must possess the required infrastructure and facilities, with guidelines to be established by the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society in collaboration with the government.
The scheme introduces a Single Admissibility Board, headed by the CEO of the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society. This board will include members from various departments, including Medical Education and Research, Health and Family Welfare, and Finance, in addition to medical specialists from Medical Colleges. Medical reimbursements under MMLSAY will align with the rates of the Central Government Health Insurance Scheme (CGHS).
To participate in the scheme, employees can choose to make monthly premium contributions from their salaries. The contribution amount will be determined based on their respective grades and will be set at half of the CGHS monthly Grade-wise contributions made by Central Government employees. Notably, this scheme is mandatory for all newly recruited employees.
While the existing manual medical reimbursement model will continue alongside MMLSAY, the future holds plans for the introduction of cashless facilities in government hospitals. The empanelment of private hospitals for a cashless system will also be initiated.
Furthermore, the MMLSAY system aims to guarantee a fixed turnaround time of 90 days for reimbursement after submission. A notable improvement is that, unlike the earlier process, the cost of outpatient department (OPD) medicines for post-operative treatments will be reimbursed.