Telangana’s Compassion in Action
Recently, Telangana has taken a bold step—introducing an expanded health protection initiative that promises up to ₹10 lakh in medical cover. But this isn’t just another policy; it’s a tangible show of compassion in two key ways:
A ₹10 lakh payout for families of deceased women SHG members The government will directly transfer ₹10 lakh to the bank accounts of families if a member of a Self‑Help Group (SHG), typically run by women, loses her life.
Cashless medical insurance under Aarogyasri/Cheyutha
From ₹5 lakh up to now ₹10 lakh of annual coverage, this protects low-income families needing critical or surgical care. Maharashtra now supports around 90 lakh BPL families under this umbrella.
Who Benefits?
Women in SHGs and their families
A much-needed security net during emergencies.Government employees in public health and power sectors
Complementing their welfare with both health and life-accident insurance.Economically vulnerable households
Expanded Aarogyasri now shields 90 lakh BPL families from hefty medical bills.
What Does ₹10 Lakh Coverage Include?
₹10 lakh payout per family—no cash out of pocket.
Coverage for over 1,800 medical procedures, from cardiac care to cancer treatments.
Available at more than 1,200 empanelled hospitals—both public and private.
Comes with cashless treatment, diagnostic support, and ambulance facilitation.
The Bigger Picture: Budget, Trust, and Implementation
The state’s health budget has been boosted by over ₹1,000 crore, allocating ₹12,393 crore to health and welfare efforts in 2025–26.
Management of the program is overseen by the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust, ensuring oversight and smooth delivery.
Frontline offices—PHCs and hospitals—now have ‘Aarogya Mitras’ to aid patients and families navigating the scheme.
Why This Matters Now
Telangana’s decision to extend ₹10 lakh coverage reflects two things:
A deeper compassionate state that values family well-being.
A forward-looking health strategy aiming to combat both rising healthcare costs and medical uncertainty.
By prioritizing cashless, comprehensive coverage, the state is equipping itself to better handle both minor emergencies and major health crises.
FAQs
1. Who qualifies for the ₹10 lakh family medical cover?
BPL/white ration card families, with SHG participation and vulnerable groups explicitly included.2. How is the ₹10 lakh SHG death benefit claimed?
Beneficiaries simply need membership proof; funds are directly credited to the family’s bank account.3. Are private hospital treatments included?
Yes—1,200+ empanelled hospitals—both public and private—accept cashless treatment.4. What kinds of treatments are covered?
Over 1,800 procedures—from surgeries to diagnostics—now included.5. How to start a claim?
Approach your nearest PHC or Aarogya Mitra desk to begin the process.Conclusion
Telangana’s move to double medical coverage to ₹10 lakh and support families of SHG members with direct financial aid is a meaningful evolution in welfare policy. It shows that accounting for health means recognizing the depth of human vulnerability—and responding with support that lasts.
