Introduced in 2008 by the Government of West Bengal, the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) gained immense fame as a noteworthy health program intended to provide quality medical care and financial assistance to state government officials. These include government employees, pensioners, and their families.
WBHS covers various medical treatments at authorized, empanelled hospitals. However, understanding the process of claiming and getting reimbursed quickly can save time, effort, and last-minute rush. Let's explore how to reimburse medical expenses in WBHS, ranging from eligibility to final reimbursement.
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Yes, you can get reimbursement for your medical outlays incurred in an empanelled hospital under the West Bengal Health Scheme. For this, you must apply to the concerned authority as per Clause 12 of the Scheme to seek reimbursement of medical charges and repayment of advances.
Remember that the application shall be made within three months from the date of completion of treatment.
West Bengal Health Scheme is cashless, where the beneficiaries do not need to pay any hospital charges directly. Instead, the insurers will directly settle such bills. However, if the total bill goes beyond the highest coverage limit, the beneficiaries will have to pay the excess out of their own pockets.
Here is the step-by-step procedure for claiming reimbursement of the insured amount under WBHS:
Step 1: First, present the cashless card issued by the Government Authorized Agency (GAA) upon admission to an empanelled hospital.
Step 2: The Health Care Organization (HCO) will send an authorization request to the Government Authorized Agency (GAA).
Step 3: The GAA will then check the information and approve or reject the request.
Step 4: Upon completion of treatment, the HCO or the concerned hospital will send the bills, along with other supporting medical documents, to the GAA.
Step 5: Thereafter, the GAA will check and validate these documents.
Step 6: Upon successful verification, the GAA will pay the approved sum to the HCO.
Before checking the reimbursement claim procedure, make sure that you go through the list of eligible individuals who can benefit from the WBHS scheme:
To facilitate effective processing and on-time reimbursement, beneficiaries should comply with the standard guidelines, filing schedules, and proper forms. The following is a well-structured breakdown of the procedure and requirements:
Process/Requirement | Details |
Timely Submission of Claims |
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Use of Essentiality Certificate Forms |
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Role of the Sanctioning Authority |
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Mandatory Details in Government Order (G.O.) | G.O. must include:
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Billing and Package Norms |
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Restrictions on Travel Costs |
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Important Disease Classification Clarifications |
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Adherence to Official Guidelines | Authorities must refer to specific Finance Department memos and notifications:
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Well, it’s not difficult to get reimbursed under WBHS—assuming that you stick to the procedure accurately and produce the correct documents. With proper planning and timely application, you can get your reimbursement for medical bills on time. Also, double-check hospital recognition at all times and raise reimbursement claims within the timelines to avoid hassles.
Also Read:
→ Is Eye Treatment Covered Under WBHS
→ What is the Cashless Amount for WBHS
→ What is the Maximum Limit of WBHS
→ What is the Time Limit for WBHS Reimbursement