The Kerala Cabinet has agreed on a monthly premium of Rs 810 for the second phase of its Medical Insurance Scheme for State Employees and Pensioners (MEDISEP), covering government employees and pensioners. The decision comes after discussions between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister KN Balagopal.

Why the premium changed

Oriental Insurance, the agency handling the first phase, will continue to facilitate the second phase of Medisep after the Cabinet’s approval. In the initial phase, the premium was Rs 500, which was later tendered at Rs 750.

However, insurance companies were unwilling to take the policy at that rate. Bids indicated a minimum premium of Rs 875. After deliberations, the government settled on Rs 810, a figure higher than the Cabinet’s original proposal, which will now require formal Cabinet approval.

New plan and coverage details

The revised premium is set to be implemented from 1 November. The scheme’s second phase aims to provide comprehensive health coverage for state government employees and pensioners, ensuring continuity from the first phase.

Coverage has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.