Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme

Discover how the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) in Nagaland helps reduce financial burden by offering cashless treatment and full medical coverage.
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3 mins
1-December-2023

The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), originally launched as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam on July 23, 2009, is a flagship health initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. Since January 2022, the scheme has been administered by the United India Insurance Company, with operations set to continue until 2027.

Designed to provide quality healthcare to economically vulnerable families, the CMCHIS enables access to a wide range of medical treatments through a robust network of empanelled hospitals, including both government and private institutions. The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses and move the state closer to universal health coverage by strengthening integration with the public health system.

As of January 2022, the scheme covers approximately 1.37 crore families across Tamil Nadu. It offers coverage for a total of 1,090 medical procedures, which includes 52 diagnostic procedures and 8 follow-up treatments, available through over 800 government hospitals and 900 private hospitals.

In this article, we will explore in detail the eligibility criteria, key objectives, and the significance of the CMCHIS in enhancing healthcare accessibility and equity across the state.

Explore: Government health insurance schemes in India

What is the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)?

CMCHIS or Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is also known as the Amma Health Insurance. The primary objective of the scheme is to facilitate cashless hospitalisation for particular ailments and procedures, offering coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year on a floater basis for the specified health conditions. 

CMCHIS represents a substantial stride in guaranteeing that marginalised segments of society access necessary healthcare without enduring financial strain, concurrently fostering the availability of high-quality medical services.

Important Features of CM Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)

The Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) offers extensive health coverage to low-income families in Tamil Nadu. It ensures access to high-quality, cashless medical care at both government and private hospitals. With coverage for over 1,000 medical procedures, the scheme reduces out-of-pocket expenses and supports families in managing critical and chronic health conditions. One of the key features is the integration with the public health system, enabling seamless referrals and continuity of care. CMCHIS is entirely funded by the state, making it one of the most inclusive health insurance programs in India.

Feature

Details

Administered By

United India Insurance Company

Coverage

1.37 crore families (as of January 2022)

Total Procedures Covered

1,090 (including 52 diagnostic & 8 follow-ups)

Network Hospitals

800+ Government, 900+ Private Hospitals

Scheme Duration

2022 – 2027

Cost to Beneficiary

Free (Fully funded by the state government)

Type of Service

Cashless, Paperless Treatment

 

Benefits of CM Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme

Given below are the benefits of this government scheme:

  • Extensive protection for medical emergencies: Crafted to offer financial assistance to families grappling with the formidable expenses of healthcare treatments in India, the scheme strives to ease the burden of medical emergencies.
  • Large network of hospitals: A prominent advantage of the scheme lies in its sprawling network of empanelled hospitals, ensuring swift access to medical facilities, even in remote areas. This extensive reach enhances the scheme's effectiveness in providing timely healthcare services to beneficiaries.
  • Inclusive coverage across various treatments: The scheme boasts comprehensive coverage for a multitude of treatments, ensuring that the beneficiaries do not have to pay out of their pockets. This inclusive approach guarantees that beneficiaries can undergo any treatment covered by the policy without incurring additional costs, thereby rendering healthcare more financially accessible.
  • Generous sum insured: With a substantial coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per policy year, the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme offers a considerable safety net.
  • Inclusive coverage for additional medical procedures: Diverging from conventional health insurance policies, the scheme extends coverage to follow-up treatments and diagnostic procedures. This inclusive approach eradicates the necessity for beneficiaries to allocate extra funds for these procedures, thereby providing an added layer of financial relief.

What are the eligibility criteria for CMCHIS?

The eligibility for participation in the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is determined by the inclusion of the individual's name in the family card and a family annual income below Rs. 1.2 lakh for residents of Tamil Nadu. 

To qualify for scheme benefits, presenting the family card, Aadhaar card, income certificate from the VAO/Revenue Authorities, and a self-declaration by the head of the respective family is sufficient. The family, for this scheme, encompasses the eligible member and the following family members:

  • Legal spouse of the eligible individual
  • Children of the eligible individual
  • Dependent parent of the eligible individual

What is not covered under the CM Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)?

  • Non-residents of Tamil Nadu.

  • Individuals whose annual income exceeds Rs. 72,000.

  • Individuals not included in the family's ration card are ineligible for this program.

  • Refugees from countries other than Sri Lanka who lack evidence of citizenship and cannot prove to be resident of Tamil Nadu for minimum period of 6 months.

  • Individuals migrating from other states in India without the requisite migration certificates from the appropriate authority and proof of residency less than 6 months.

How to apply for CMCHIS?

For offline applications under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Acquire an income certificate from either the Village Administrative Officer or Revenue authorities.

Step 2: Compile all essential documents, including the Aadhar card, ration card, and income certificate, and proceed to the enrollment centre.

Step 3: Submit your documents to the kiosk operator for thorough verification.

Step 4: Furnish your biometric details, including fingerprints, a photograph, and an eye scan.

Step 5: After the verification of your details, the e-card will be issued to you.

What documents are required for CMCHIS?

Given below is the list of documents required to apply for the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme:

  • Income certificate
  • Ration card
  • Self-declaration from the head of the family
  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card (optional)

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What is a CMCHIS member ID?

A CMCHIS Member ID is a unique identification number assigned to beneficiaries enrolled under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. This ID is essential for availing cashless medical services at empanelled hospitals.

  • Acts as proof of enrollment under CMCHIS

  • Required for hospital verification and treatment

  • Printed on the CMCHIS smart card

How to download the CMCHIS card online?

The Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme card can be downloaded online through the official CMCHIS portal. This card contains your Member ID and is mandatory for accessing healthcare services under the scheme.

Steps to download:

  • Visit the official CMCHIS website: www.cmchistn.com

  • Click on the "Beneficiary" section

  • Enter your smart card number or Aadhaar number

  • Authenticate using OTP or other required details

  • Download and print the chief minister comprehensive health insurance scheme card

How to file a CMCHIS claim?

Filing a claim under CMCHIS is a straightforward and cashless process when done through empanelled hospitals. Beneficiaries do not need to pay upfront as the cost is covered by the scheme.

Steps to file a claim:

  • Visit any empanelled government or private hospital under CMCHIS

  • Present your CMCHIS Member ID or smart card

  • Hospital verifies eligibility and sends pre-authorization request

  • Once approved, treatment is carried out

  • Hospital files the claim directly with United India Insurance

  • Beneficiary receives treatment without any direct payment

Note: Always keep your identification documents handy during admission.

Medical packages under chief minister comprehensive health insurance scheme

The Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme covers a wide range of medical procedures, including surgeries, diagnostics, and follow-ups. These packages are designed to provide holistic treatment without financial burden.

Package type

No. of procedures

General Surgical Packages

500+

Diagnostic Procedures

52

Follow-Up Procedures

8

Specialized Surgeries

Cardiac, Ortho, Neuro & more

Maternity Care

Covered under specific packages

Oncology Treatments

Included in approved hospitals

All procedures are provided cashless at empanelled hospitals across Tamil Nadu.

How to find a hospital under CMCHIS?

Finding a hospital under CMCHIS is quick and easy through the scheme’s official portal. You can search by district, specialty, or hospital type.

Steps to find an empanelled hospital:

  1. Go to www.cmchistn.com

  2. Click on “Hospital Network” or “Empanelled Hospitals”

  3. Select your district and required specialty

  4. View the list of approved government and private hospitals

  5. Contact the hospital for availability and services

Conclusion

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) stands out as one of the most impactful government health insurance schemes in India, specifically designed to support economically disadvantaged families in Tamil Nadu. By offering free, cashless access to quality medical care, CMCHIS has dramatically improved healthcare accessibility for individuals living below the poverty line. The scheme provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical treatments and surgical procedures, ensuring that financial limitations never become a barrier to timely and essential healthcare. As a flagship health initiative, CMCHIS plays a crucial role in strengthening the public health system, while promoting dignity, equity, and financial protection for underserved communities. With its extensive network of empanelled government and private hospitals, and a fully cashless treatment model, CMCHIS continues to serve as a powerful example of how health insurance can uplift vulnerable populations and foster a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem across the state.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for CM health insurance?

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is available for families living below the poverty line (BPL) across the state of Tamil Nadu.

What are the benefits of CM health insurance?

The CM health insurance scheme provides financial assistance for medical expenses of up to Rs. 5 lakh per annum per family. It covers medical expenses for both in-patient and outpatient care across hospitals listed under the scheme.

When was the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme launched?

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) was launched in October 2008 by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, to provide health insurance for BPL families in the state.

What is the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme?

The Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is a state-run initiative in Tamil Nadu that provides free, cashless medical treatment to economically disadvantaged families. It covers a wide range of procedures through empanelled public and private hospitals, aiming to reduce healthcare-related financial burdens.

What is the use of the CM Health Insurance Card?

The CM Health Insurance Card serves as proof of enrollment under CMCHIS. It contains the Member ID required to access cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. The card must be presented during hospital visits to verify eligibility and initiate treatment without direct payment.

What is the CM Universal Insurance Scheme?

The CM Universal Insurance Scheme is another component of Tamil Nadu's broader health coverage efforts. It provides accident and life insurance benefits to people not covered under CMCHIS, such as drivers, workers, and other informal sector employees, ensuring wider protection beyond hospital-based treatments.

Can I check my online CMCHIS member status?

Yes, you can check your CMCHIS member status online by visiting the official website www.cmchistn.com. Enter your smart card or Aadhaar number in the beneficiary section to view your enrollment details and eligibility status under the scheme.

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