Summary:
So far, mental health was not covered by medical insurance, even though it leads to the same helplessness brought on by other diseases. The order, to be implemented immediately, will help reduce stigma attached to mental illness, say experts. According to Dr.
Bhide, nearly 15% of patients with mental illness require in-patient treatment. An order by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) after Parliament passed the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, makes it mandatory for insurance companies to cover mental illnesses. “Of these, 80% have severe mental illnesses, but the rest of them may still require hospitalisation.”‘Will reduce stigma’The IRDA circular, issued on August 16, says as per section 21 (4) of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, insurers shall make provision for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as physical illness..