Now Your Health Insurance Plan Will Cover Mental Illness Too: Read To Know

The Mental Healthcare act, 2017, by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has made it mandatory for the medical insurance companies to include and provide treatment for mental illness just like any other physical illnesses.

The landmark decision by the IRDAI which is in reference to the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 which came into effect on May 29, 2018, states that “every insurer shall make provisions for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as is available for treatment of physical illness”. This will help not only to empower but also to protect the rights of people suffering from mental illnesses in India.

Insurance companies welcome move

Several insurance companies have welcomed this directive with positive feedback. Jyoti Punja, Cigna TTK Health Insurance chief operating officer, told Deccan Chronicle that for individuals suffering from mental health issues, this would ensure a life of dignity, and the insurance for mental health is a progressive step in the right direction.”We Believe it will certainly create awareness, acceptance and inclusion when it comes to mental illness like any other ailment while bringing mental health disorders at par with physical illnesses will ‘normalise’ diagnoses, reducing associated myths and stigma. At Cigna TTK, we focus on the health and wellness of our customers we serve, and we welcome this step to drive robust health and well-being ecosystem,” Punja added.

Mental Healthcare Act 2017

The Mental Healthcare Act 2017, which came into effect on May 29, 2018 states, “An Act to provide for mental health care and services for persons with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of such persons during delivery of mental health care and services and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.” According to this act, any sort of mental illness must be determined according to national and international medical standards, and in addition to this, no one has the authority to classify anyone as “a person with mental illness” other than when it is in direct reference to the treatment an individual is undergoing. This act has mandated the medical insurance companies to treat mental illness as they would any other physical illnesses, and thereby make it easier for those people to get the help they definitely require. By passing this law, IRDAI has made it impossible for the medical insurance corporations to discriminate against people with varying mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia etc.

According to The News Minute, currently, insurance applications of several people with a history of mental health issues are rejected, as the majority of the insurance giants do not cover mental health. The new law will ensure they will receive the monetary coverage and the professional help they are entitled to, and this will help them and their families on the road to recovery.

The survey, released on April 14, 2018, by The Live Laugh Love foundation had dug deep into the misconceptions and stigmas associated with mental health issues in India. It explained in depth on how public awareness in this matter can reduce the stigma, provide support and empower the individuals going through a mental health crisis. The new provision in the mental health bill helps in attaining this goal.

The Logical Indian Take

The new bill will help in removing the stigma associated with mental health issues in our society. For a long time, any sort of mental health issues has been considered a subject of taboo in India. However, recently, with several celebrities coming forward and openly discussing the mental health problems they were going through has increased awareness among the masses.

Also Read: On World Mental Health Day, This NGO Is Taking The Battle Against Depression To Rural India