Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Insurance Regulator IRDAI to ensure timely authorisation for cashless treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Finance Minister spoke to IRDAI Chairman SC Khuntia over the reports that some hospitals are denying cashless insurance. In a tweet, she said, in March last year COVID-19 included as a part of comprehensive health insurance and cashless service is available at networked or even temporary hospitals.
The Minister informed that over nine lakh COVID-19 related claims have been settled by insurance companies for 8642 crore rupees so far. She added that even tele-consultations can be covered in it. The Minister said that IRDAI will direct companies to prioritise authorisations and settlements of COVID-19 cases.