Thiruvananthapuram: Widespread complaints have emerged as the Medisep portal remains non-functional, leading to the denial of medical insurance benefits for thousands. In the past fortnight, over 10,000 individuals were forced to leave hospitals without receiving their eligible coverage. Finance Department officials stated that the matter has been discussed with insurance company heads, who have provided an assurance that the issue will be resolved within 48 hours.

The official explanation for the disruption is a technical hitch encountered while updating data for the scheme's second phase, which includes a broader range of treatments and benefits compared to the first. Authorities noted that technical snags were experienced between March 14 and 18 during efforts to streamline the insurance web portal.

Current backlog and government assurance

At present, there is a major backlog of claims awaiting processing.

  • Initial approval pending: Approximately 2,917 claims.
  • Final approval pending: 5,367 claims.

The Finance Department has maintained that action will be taken to investigate and rectify instances where any beneficiary was denied cashless treatment. Meanwhile, the Secretariat Action Council criticised the situation, alleging that the Medisep Scheme—funded by the contributions of employees and pensioners—is effectively "on a ventilator”.

Key changes in Medisep phase II

The transition from the first to the second phase involved a notable expansion of the scheme’s scope.

 

MedisepPhase IPhase II
Total packages1,9202,516
Room rent limit₹2,000₹5,000
Govt hospital pay ward rent-₹2,000