HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM, MENTAL DISORDERS AND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES |
“Niramaya” |
Objective: |
| » To provide affordable Health Insurance to persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities |
| » To encourage health services seeking behaviour among persons with disability |
| » To improve the general health condition & quality of life of persons with disability |
The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Meira Kumar has launched "Nirmaya" a Health Insurance Plan for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities here today. A large number of persons will benefit from this health insurance plan in terms of getting quality medical services in their respective areas through this scheme. It is a cashless scheme, under this persons need not pay even a penny for the services offer to them if they are admitted in hospital for an expenditure up to Rs. 1 lakh. Even transport arrangement also has been made for this purpose to reach the hospitals.
The Nirmaya health insurance plan also covers OPD services.
The premium of the insurance scheme is paid by the National Trust for the Below Poverty Line persons. The above poverty line persons can also avail this facility by paying the suitable premium. Smt. Meira Kumar announced that the Ministry is launching this health insurance plan in 10 districts on pilot basis; Central Delhi- Delhi, Kaimur- Bihar, Chandigarh-Haryana, Jabalpur-Madhya Pradesh, Agartala-Tripura, Raeareily -UP, Erode-Tamil Nadu, Ernakulam-Kerala, Ahmedabad-Gujarat and Bhageshwar in Uttarakhand. |
| INFORMATION ON TAX DEDUCTIONS |
Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended by Finance Act, 2007, there are tax benefits available to families of children with autism. You must have a certificate of autism in order to qualify for these benefits.
|
» Under 80DD parents/guardians can claim an income tax benefit of Rs.75,000/- which is directly deductable from your income This is available regardless of the amount of expense incurred and documentation of the full amount is not required. A 75% concession in railway tickets for your child and an escort is also available if it is noted in the disability certificate that the child will need an escort every time he or she travels. In addition to the disability certificate, you may need to obtain form 10-1 [under sub rule 92) of rule 11A] from the same hospital that you receive your certificate.
|
| » Under 80DDB parents/ guardians can claim an income tax benefit of Rs.40,000/-. Documentation of the amount spent is required. |
| |
| BANKING MADE EASIER FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES |
On19 November, 2007, the Reserve Bank of India made it easier for persons with disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy to open and operate accounts, by asking banks to accept guardianship certificates issued by local level committees set up under the National Trust Act. The RBI Notification Banks are advised to rely on the guardianship certificate issued either by the district court under the Mental Health Act or by the local level committees under the National Trust Act for the purposes of opening and operating bank accounts. |
| |
