Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: The Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme in Nagaland now covers nearly 96 percent of the state households. Launched in 2022, the program aims to address healthcare coverage gaps remaining after the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Dr. Kikameren Longkumer, Joint CEO of the Nagaland Health Protection Society, explained that the scheme serves government employees, pensioners, and families classified as the missing middle. While the national program supports 2.59 lakh families, the state initiative currently covers an additional 117,185 households. This includes nearly 97,185 families of government employees and pensioners alongside 20,000 uninsured households.
Financial sustainability remains a challenge due to surging insurance premiums. The cost per family has climbed from approximately Rs 1,500 at the program's inception to Rs 9,670 today. This spike forces the state government to contribute an extra Rs 30 to 34 crore annually to bridge the funding gap. While employees contribute 50 percent of one month of their dearness allowance to the fund, the total premium obligation now reaches nearly Rs 94 crore.
Current coverage is limited to hospitalization expenses to manage these fiscal constraints, though officials hope to eventually include outpatient services. Patients can receive cashless treatment at NABH-accredited hospitals both within and outside of Nagaland.
Justice Nelson Sailo of the Gauhati High Court's Kohima Bench highlighted the importance of the program during a recent seminar. He noted that a robust healthcare system serves as a critical safeguard, stating that a strong healthcare system protects families from financial hardship while contributing to improved public health and quality of life.
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