Question : HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

(a) the percentage of population in the country without any health insurance coverage, State-wise during each of the last three years;

(b) the reasons for poor coverage;

(c) whether suggestions from various quarters including the Planning Commission have been received for introduction of a State-funded health insurance programme to cover every citizen of the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(e) the steps been taken to facilitate enhanced health care insurance coverage?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b): The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the regulator of the insurance sector in the country, have informed that they do not maintain State-wise information regarding the population which is without health insurance coverage.

(c) to (e): The Planning Commission had constituted a High Level Expert Group(HLEG) on Universal Health Coverage(UHC) to, inter alia, develop a blue print and investment plan for achieving `Health for All by 2020`. The report of the HLEG has been submitted to the Planning Commission. The major recommendations of HLEG are on (i) health financing and financial protection; (ii) access to medicines, vaccines and technology; (iii) human resources for health; (iv) health service norms; (v) management and institutional reforms; (vi) community participation and citizen engagement;(vii) social determinants of health etc. The recommendations of the HLEG, as approved by the Government, would form part of 12tfl Five Year Plan of the Government.