The West Bengal Health Scheme is a healthcare initiative aimed at providing benefits to employees and pensioners of West Bengal Government. It likely includes provisions for medical treatment (OPD), hospitalization (IPD), and other healthcare services. The West Bengal Health Scheme commonly known as WBHS, has announced an enhancement in the cashless limit for In-Patient Department (IPD) treatment in private Empanelled hospitals within the state.
Order Overview
| WBHS Initial Cashless Limit | Rs. 1,50,000/- |
| WBHS New Cashless Limit | Rs. 2,00,000/- |
| Effective From | On or after 01.07.2023 |
| Objective | To tackle inflation, rising healthcare costs, and increased demand for medical services. |
What was the initial cashless limit in WBHS for IPD treatment?
- The initial cashless limit for IPD treatment under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) was set at Rs. 1,50,000/-. This limit was established as per Finance Department Notification No.73-F(MED) dated 28.04.2022.
Why was there a need for enhancing the Amount?
- The need for enhancing the limit likely arose due to factors such as inflation, rising healthcare costs, and increased demand for medical services.
- Considerations before enhancing the limit might have included ensuring adequate coverage for medical expenses, improving access to quality healthcare, and addressing the needs of beneficiaries.
What is the new cashless limit for IPD treatment in West Bengal Health Scheme?
- The new cashless limit for IPD treatment under the West Bengal Health Scheme is Rs. 2,00,000/-, as per the recent decision by the Governor.
- This represents an increase of Rs. 50,000/- from the previous limit of Rs. 1,50,000/-.
When does the enhanced rate become effective?
The enhanced rate becomes effective for all IPD treatments where the admission date in a private empanelled hospital within the state is on or after 01.07.2023.
Official Order Copy
Government of West Bengal
Finance Department
11A Mirza Ghalib Street, Old Khadya Bhavan
2″ Floor, Kolkata-700087
No. 92-F(MED)WB Dated-07/06/2023
MEMORANDUM
Sub: Enhancement of cashless limit under WBHS for each IPD treatment in Private Empanelled Hospital.
The beneficiaries of West Bengal Health Scheme are now given the benefit of cashless IPD treatment in private empanelled hospital within the State up to the limit of Rs. 1,50,000/- (Rs. one lakh fifty thousand) only as per Finance Department Notification No.73-F(MED) dated 28.04.2022.
The further enhancement of cashless limit for each IPD treatment was under active consideration for some time past and after careful observations of all aspects, the Governor is now pleased to enhance the ceiling of cashless limit of each IPD treatment in private empanelled hospital to Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rs. Two lakh) only from the existing ceiling of Rs. 1,50,000/- (Rs. one lakh fifty thousands) only.
This facility of enhancement in cashless limit of IPD treatment will be applicable for all such IPD treatments where the date of admission in private empanelled hospital within the State will be 01.07.2023 and thereafter.
SD/-
Manoj Pant
Additional Chief Secretary
Finance Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS)?
West Bengal State Government employees, pensioners and their families.
What is the coverage of West Bengal Health Scheme?
- The initial cashless limit for IPD treatment under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) was set at Rs. 1,50,000/-. This limit was established as per Finance Department Notification No.73-F(MED) dated 28.04.2022.
- The new cashless limit for IPD treatment under the West Bengal Health Scheme is Rs. 2,00,000/-, as per the recent decision by the Governor.
- This represents an increase of Rs. 50,000/- from the previous limit of Rs. 1,50,000/-
Which Hospital is under West Bengal Health Scheme?
Who are dependents in WBHS?
The employee/pensioner enrolled under WBHS, can include their dependent parents, son (without permanent disability up to the age of 25 years), son (with permanent disability irrespective of age), unmarried/widow/divorced daughter, unmarried/widow/divorced sister and minor brother up to the age of 18 years as dependent beneficiary subject to compliance of income and others eligibility criteria as per Notification No. 7287-F dated 19.09.2008 read with Nos. 6722-F dated 09.07.2009 and 10531-F(MED) dated 10.11.2010. Revision of maximum income ceiling and other eligible criteria were under active consideration for some time past.