The Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) has suspended cashless services in several hospitals across India, including prominent chains like Care Hospitals, Manipal Hospital, and Max Hospitals, among others. This move is in response to a dispute with Star Health Insurance, one of the leading health insurance companies in the country. AHPI claims that Star Health has been taking “arbitrary” actions, such as de-empanelling hospitals and withdrawing cashless services, which has prompted the association to take this step.
However, the General Insurance Council (GIC) has come out in support of Star Health, stating that AHPI’s actions are “unilateral” and “unwarranted”, and could undermine trust in the health insurance ecosystem. The GIC has expressed concern that these actions could prejudice the interests of policyholders.
Star Health has also issued a statement denying that it has received any notice of cashless suspension from its network partners. The company has accused AHPI of issuing threats and creating unnecessary confusion among policyholders. Star Health has reassured its customers that their access to healthcare will remain unaffected and that they will ensure claim payments are made even in the event of a disruption.
The dispute between AHPI and Star Health has sparked a war of words, with both parties accusing each other of taking arbitrary actions. The situation has created uncertainty among policyholders, who are concerned about their access to cashless services at hospitals. The General Insurance Council has urged both parties to resolve their differences and find a solution that does not harm the interests of policyholders. The government’s efforts to promote healthcare as a basic necessity by exempting GST on health insurance may be undermined by this dispute, which highlights the need for greater transparency and cooperation between healthcare providers and insurance companies.