Revolutionizing Health Insurance: The Cashless Everywhere Initiative

In a significant shift in health insurance practices, the General Insurance Council (GIC), in collaboration with general and health insurance companies, has introduced the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative. This transformative move aims to redefine the landscape of cashless hospitalization for policyholders, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility. Find out more about cashless everywhere initiative on www.freshnewspress.com

**Introduction for The Cashless Everywhere Initiative **

Traditionally, health insurance policyholders were restricted to obtaining cashless treatment only at network hospitals affiliated with their insurance company. This limitation required policyholders to navigate a complex reimbursement process for non-network hospital visits. The GIC, recognizing the need for a more streamlined approach, has launched ‘Cashless Everywhere’ to extend the benefits of cashless treatment to all hospitals.

**Key Changes Under Cashless Everywhere Initiative:**

Under this innovative system, policyholders now have the freedom to receive cashless treatment in any hospital of their choice, irrespective of its network status. Even for non-network hospitals, the insurance company will settle the medical expenses directly, eliminating the need for policyholders to bear the initial costs and endure a tedious reimbursement process.

**Procedure for Cashless Treatment at Non-Network Hospitals:**

For policyholders seeking the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ facility at non-network hospitals, adherence to specific guidelines is crucial:
1. **Elective Procedures:** Notify the insurance company at least 48 hours before admission.
2. **Emergency Treatment:** Inform the insurance company within 48 hours of admission.
3. **Admissibility Criteria:** Ensure the claim aligns with the policy terms, and the cashless facility adheres to the insurance company’s operating guidelines.

**Immediate Implementation and Hospital Eligibility:**

The cashless facility at non-network hospitals takes effect immediately, as announced by the General Insurance Council on January 24, 2024. Hospitals with a minimum of 15 beds, registered under the Clinical Establishment Act with state health authorities, are now authorized to offer cashless hospitalization.

**Customer Benefits and Industry Impact:**

The ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative addresses the challenges faced by the majority of health insurance customers. Currently, 63% opt for cashless claims, while others resort to reimbursement due to hospitalizations outside their insurer or third-party network. This initiative not only reduces out-of-pocket expenses but also streamlines the reimbursement process, minimizing the risk of rejection.

**Industry Insights and Expert Opinions:**

Tapan Singhel, MD and CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, emphasizes the initiative’s aim to alleviate financial stress, enhance the policyholder experience, and build trust in the system. Siddharth Singhal, Business Head – Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com, applauds the proactive measures, foreseeing benefits for individuals in tier 2 and tier 3 regions.

The ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative emerges as a groundbreaking measure within the health insurance industry, empowering policyholders to access treatment across approximately 40,000 hospitals nationwide, even beyond the insurance network.