Over half of health insurance applications of the differently abled dismissed at first stage: Why?
The RPWD Act, the National Trust Act, the RCI Act, and the Mental Healthcare Act are among the key legislations in place for them.
The RPWD Act, the National Trust Act, the RCI Act, and the Mental Healthcare Act are among the key legislations in place for them.
The RPWD Act, the National Trust Act, the RCI Act, and the Mental Healthcare Act are among the key legislations in place for them.
For a country that promises equality and dignity to all its citizens, the reality confronting differently abled people in India is deeply unsettling, as the recently released figures reveal. According to a survey report published by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), more than 80 per cent of differently abled individuals in India are being denied insurance coverage. The findings once again expose the discrimination and neglect faced by this community. The study shows that over half of all health-insurance applications submitted by persons with disabilities are dismissed at the very first stage, often without any specific reasons.
A majority of the rejected applications are from people with autism, psychosocial disabilities, and learning disabilities. High insurance premiums and lack of knowledge about digital systems that are not accessible have added to the barriers. The survey estimates that across the country, nearly 16 crore persons have been denied their rightful access to insurance. Despite constitutional promises of equality and a society free from discrimination, supported by laws such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the life reality for differently abled people remains starkly different. At the same time, various laws and programmes do exist to safeguard the rights and protection of differently abled citizens. What is needed now is greater awareness of these provisions.
The RPWD Act, the National Trust Act, the RCI Act, and the Mental Healthcare Act are among the key legislations in place. Health insurance companies are legally bound to comply with these laws. Some of the significant provisions are given below.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016:
The most comprehensive law ensuring safety, dignity, and equality for differently abled persons. It prohibits discrimination and guarantees access to public spaces and services.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:
Ensures rights-based care and protection for individuals with mental-health conditions.
• National Trust Act, 1999:
Provides care and protection for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
In addition to these, social-security pensions, free medical check-ups in government hospitals, and treatment assistance are guaranteed rights for persons with disabilities. It is equally important to raise awareness among them about major health insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.
Kerala also has several programmes that focus on early diagnosis and early intervention in children. Disha Centres and Anganwadis offer initial support for therapy, developmental screenings and early support for kids. Agencies such as the Kerala Social Security Mission and the National Health Mission extend financial and treatment assistance, along with free medical examinations in government hospitals.
There are also legal provisions to ensure a safe and dignified life for differently abled senior citizens. Home-care support under schemes like Vayomithram and Ashwasakiranam, and medical assistance under the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP), also play a crucial role in their well-being.
The fact that differently abled individuals continue to face health-insurance denial despite such a strong legal framework points to weak implementation. Society’s mindset must also change. Awareness must grow across society that differently abled individuals possess the same rights guaranteed to every other citizen. They can access the full benefits of various schemes only if they obtain a disability certificate and a UID card. A system should also be developed to monitor and prevent unauthorised rejections of insurance applications by integrating the UDID database with insurance processing systems.
Ensuring rights and opportunities for people with disabilities is not an act of charity but a constitutional obligation. A society can claim actual progress only when every one of its members receives equal justice and opportunity.
(The author is the founder of Prayatna Child Development Centre, Kochi. Views expressed are personal.)