When Was the Yeshasvini Scheme Established?

Everything About Yeshasvini Scheme Establishment

Launched by the Karnataka government, the Yeshasvini Health Insurance Scheme is a leading scheme that offers low-cost health care to members of cooperative societies, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. The scheme aims to extend health security to farmers and workers.

Not only does it decrease the cost burden, but it also encourages rural populations to approach doctors without any hesitation or stress. So, how did this game-changing scheme come into existence? Read ahead to learn everything about the Yeshasvini scheme in detail.

When Was the Yeshasvini Scheme Launched?

Although it was initiated in 2002, the Yeshasvini scheme officially began in 2003. It focused on enhancing the availability of healthcare services for poor people and improving the economic situation across the state. It soon developed a wide network and became India's largest health micro-insurance program.

Since its launch, the scheme has enrolled around 2 million people, providing more surgical procedures, outpatient department (OPD) services, a help desk for policyholders, and a number of other benefits.

How Does the Yeshasvini Scheme Work?

The Yeshasvini Scheme is a medical insurance program founded for members of cooperative societies across Karnataka, wherein financial assistance towards healthcare expenditure is offered.

On a community basis, members of the cooperative society contribute to the common fund and are governed by the Yeshasvini Cooperative Members Health Care Trust. The trust promotes cashless services for over 1,600 procedures at constituent hospitals.

Benefits of the Yeshasvini Scheme

The Yeshasvini Health Insurance scheme is a carefully drafted healthcare scheme that attempts to cater to the medical requirements of Karnataka's rural and cooperative sector population. It provides financial cover, quality medical care, and peace of mind for thousands of families. Listed below are the benefits of this scheme:

● ₹5 Lakh Annual Sum Insured

The scheme provides a maximum annual health coverage of ₹5 lakhs to a family. This large amount covers the expenses of surgeries, treatments, and hospitalizations for families, particularly those living below the poverty line.

● Covers Medical and Surgical Procedures

Beneficiaries are eligible for treatment of over 1,650 medical conditions, including 823 vital surgical procedures. With such expansive coverage, the most prevalent and serious health conditions are taken care of smoothly.

● Cashless Hospitalization at Network Hospitals

The scheme offers cashless, hassle-free treatment at empanelled hospitals. The patient only needs to submit their Yeshasvini membership card, and billing is directly settled between the insurer and the hospital.

● Pre-Fixed, Discounted Charges for Treatment

The scheme offers treatments at fixed and discounted prices, making them much cheaper than normal hospital rates, particularly for high-cost surgeries.

● Discounts for Diagnostic Tests and Lab Services

Along with treatments, beneficiaries also get discounts on diagnostic tests, which are otherwise excluded from general insurance schemes. This also cuts down on total medical costs.

● Overall Hospital Charge Coverage

The scheme covers various medical costs such as surgery charges, cost of medicines, operation theatre charges, consultation charges, anaesthesia, nursing, and bed charges—providing almost complete financial coverage while being hospitalized.

● Eligibility of Different Group Members

Any individual who has been a member of a Karnataka rural cooperative society for a minimum of three months is entitled to the same. Once a member, the benefits automatically cover all family members, even if they are not direct members of the society.

● Affordable Premiums with Government Support

The premium amount is low, so it is affordable. Rural society members pay ₹500 for four family members, with ₹100 per additional member. Urban cooperative members pay ₹1,000 for four, with ₹200 for extra members. The government pays the premium completely for SC/ST families.

● Support for SHGs and Other Groups

The scheme also encompasses members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Stree Shakti Groups, and cooperative societies of fishermen, weavers, and Beedi workers—provided they are connected to a cooperative society or bank.

Who is Eligible for the Yeshasvini Scheme?

Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria for the Yeshasvini Scheme:

● There is no age limit to enrol.

● Members enrolled in self-help groups organized by District Central Cooperative Banks or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies are also eligible to apply.

● Members of Cooperative Societies registered under the Karnataka Cooperative Societies Act, 1957, the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari Act, 1997, or the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, are eligible.

● Members of Rural Cooperative Societies who are beedi workers, weavers, or fishermen by occupation are also eligible.

● Applicants should be residents of rural Karnataka and not city corporations.

● Three months minimum membership of a Cooperative Society as approved is the prerequisite for eligibility.

The Yeshasvini Scheme is not only an insurance scheme—it's a ray of hope for rural households. Merging affordability with accessibility has saved lives and protected livelihoods in Karnataka. Yeshasvini highlights how an effective insurance policy and a people-centred approach can make a real difference in people's lives.