Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), or “Kalaingar Kaappittu Thittam”, was launched in 2009. It offers Rs 5 lakh coverage to the economically weaker section of society at an affordable price.

In 2022, the United India Insurance Company became the scheme’s partner to facilitate coverage through the empanelled government and private hospitals.

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The government has set the eligibility criteria based on the beneficiaries’ annual income or those who belong to the economically weaker sections. The scheme provides cashless hospitalisation for over 1000 procedures, such as cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and general medicine, among many other treatments.

Who Are Eligible? 

• The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
• The family’s total annual income should not exceed Rs 1.2 lakh. (The family includes spouses, children, and dependent parents.)
• The applicant’s name must be on the family card.

Who Are Not Eligible? 

• Migrants from other states who do not have a migration certificate are not eligible.
• Refugees with no proof of citizenship, orphans and rescued girl child, registered or unregistered, are also excluded from the scheme.

Documents Required 

The applicants must provide the following documents:

• Income certificate from revenue authorities or village administration officer (VAO)
• Ration card
• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Aadhaar card
• PAN Card
• Self–declaration from the head of the family

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What Are the Benefits? 

Coverage Up To Rs 5 Lakh Per Family: It provides coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually per family for hospitalisations and minor ailments, removing the cost burden on poor people.

Hospital Network: The scheme has around 800 government and 900 private empanelled hospitals across the state, including remote areas, for treatments.

Cashless Facility: The scheme provides cashless hospitalisation for over 1,000 procedures.

Follow-Up Treatments: The scheme provides free follow-up treatments, including diagnostics expenses.

How To Apply? 

First, one must obtain an income certificate from VAO, then collect other necessary documents and visit the CM health scheme kiosks to apply. The kiosks will verify the documents and record the applicant’s biometric details, such as fingerprints and eye scans. After that, they will issue an e-card to avail of the benefits and services at the designated network hospitals.