AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 125 of 170 Answer. (a) Treatment of Non-ECHS members . The question has partially been answered at Q60 above. Non-ECHS members may continue to use facilities at existing MH/MI Rooms as entitled members, subject to availability of resources at that MH. It will be suggested to them to become authorised members by joining the ECHS. Let us assume two ESM patients report to the RR Hospital or to any service hospital – the priority will be given to the ECHS member since he is from the authorised category and has paid subscription, whereas a non- ECHS member is only entitled and his treatment is subject to availability of bed space etc. Non-ECHS members will also continue to get a Medical Allowance of Rs 100/- pm in their pension. (b) Treatment at R&R Hospital . A list of approx 500 hospitals has already been submitted to MOD and is under examination. Approval is expected to be accorded by end-Aug 2003. Treatment at R&R Hospital will be given when a case is referred/transferred to it by an ECHS clinic or another Service Hospital. It may be appreciated that the R&R Hospital is heavily committed to meet the requirement of serving soldiers and only spare bed space can be provided to ECHS members. Question No 62. What are the benefits of joining the ECHS? Answer. The ECHS has brought in tremendous flexibility and empowerment for pensioners. The major benefits are; No Cash payment to be made any where , treatment is free , the number of diseases covered is exhaustive (and not restricted to the ten under MBS) and treatment can be availed in MH/Civil empanelled hospital of choice of the ECHS Card holder, and there is no upper limit for repeated treatment of the same disease/condition. The ECHS Card holder will have priority in treatment in MH/Service hospital over a non–ECHS member. The latter cannot avail any facilities of empanelled hospitals or treatment under the ECHS. Also refer to comparative chart with AGIS (MBS) scheme. BENEFITS OF ECHS SCHEME COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN AGIF MB SCHEME AND ECHS S No Particulars AGIF MBS ECHS 1. Eligibility Service pers in receipt of service/disability pension or widows in receipt of family pension. Criterion for eligibility same as AGIF MBS. 2. Dependents eligible Only spouse authorised benefits. Eligible dependents are: (a) spouse (b) unemployed sons upto 25 yrs of age (c) unemployed and unmarried daughters (any age) (d) mentally and physically challenged children for life (e) dependent parents. 3. Payment limits for Medical Expenditure Max liability of AGIF No limits. However, payments will be