The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has appealed to Star Health and Allied Insurance to reinstate cashless services at their member hospitals. This decision comes after the insurance company suspended these facilities, resulting in growing distress and inconvenience for patients. Several prominent hospital chains and tertiary care centers have been affected, including Care Hospitals, Manipal Hospitals, Max Hospitals, and Medanta Hospital, among others.
The AHPI has also highlighted the issue of delays or refusals in empaneling new hospitals, which restricts patient choice and forces them to opt for reimbursement claims instead of cashless treatment. This defeats the purpose of health insurance, which patients buy with the expectation of receiving cashless treatment at quality hospitals. According to Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, and Abul Hasan, Chairman of the Indian Medical Association Hospital Board, it is unjust for insurers to withhold cashless facilities after collecting premiums.
The AHPI has demanded that cashless services be restored immediately and that the empanelment of new hospitals be expedited to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare. The association has clarified that its decision is a response to Star Health’s actions and not a unilateral move, as suggested by the General Insurance Council (GIC). The AHPI remains open to engagement with stakeholders but has emphasized that protecting patient welfare must remain the top priority.
The suspension of cashless services has significant implications for patients, who may be forced to bear the financial burden of medical treatment out of pocket. The AHPI’s appeal highlights the need for insurance companies to prioritize patient welfare and ensure that policyholders receive the benefits they are entitled to. By reinstating cashless services and expediting empanelment, Star Health and Allied Insurance can help alleviate the distress and inconvenience caused to patients and restore trust in the healthcare system. Ultimately, the AHPI’s efforts aim to ensure that patients have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.