Big shock to the customers of this insurance company, cashless treatment will not be available from September 1; know in detail

The growing dispute between health insurance and private hospitals has raised concerns for millions of policyholders across the country. Due to the ongoing tussle between Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and 15,000 hospitals in the country, patients will not be able to avail the facility of cashless treatment from September.

The growing dispute between health insurance and private hospitals has increased the concern of millions of policyholders across the country. Due to the ongoing tussle between Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and 15,000 hospitals in the country, patients will not be able to avail cashless treatment from September. Many big hospitals, including Max Healthcare, Medanta, have taken this decision under the leadership of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). This will directly affect those patients who get treatment under Bajaj Allianz's health policy.

Patients will have to pay the bill first, claim will be received later
AHPI has instructed all its member hospitals to stop cashless treatment for Bajaj Allianz policyholders from September 1. That is, patients will have to bear the entire cost of treatment in the hospital themselves and later claim reimbursement from the insurance company.

Root of the dispute: Old rates and unfair deductions
Hospitals allege that insurance companies, especially Bajaj Allianz, are refusing to increase the old contract rates. Not only this, when the bill is sent after the treatment, the insurance companies reduce the amount of the bill without any prior discussion. Hospitals say that it is no longer possible to provide treatment at the current rates, as medical expenses are increasing by 78% every year.

IRDA's 'common empanelment' proposal deepens the controversy
Insurance regulatory body IRDAI has proposed a common empanelment system to streamline cashless treatment in the country. Under this system, all insurance companies and hospitals will work in a common framework. This will provide more options to patients and the facility of treatment without advance payment. However, big hospitals are considering this proposal one-sided. They say that common panel rates, payment terms, and claim processes are tilted in favor of insurance companies. At the same time, small hospitals are seeing an opportunity to increase their reach in this proposal.

Notice to Care Health Insurance, also, deadline 31 August
AHPI has also sent a similar notice to Care Health Insurance on 22 August. If the dispute is not resolved, cashless treatment can be stopped for their customers as well.

PC: Punjab Kesari