Aasandha reform: Private insurance to take priority in cases of double insurance

Aasandha Company, on Monday, has announced that a reform will come into effect in October that will prioritize private insurance, if the patient has double insurance. 

Speaking at Parliament’s Social Affairs’ Committee on Monday, South Mahchangolhi MP Musthafa Hussain underscored health schemes provided by state-owned companies only deduct from private insurance after deducting from Aasandha.

“Am aware this would significantly burden the company. Are there any plans regarding this?” he inquired.

In this regard, Mustahfa inquired whether there were any plans to deduct from private insurance first and then the remaining amount, from Aasandha. He also expressed his belief that not all citizens should receive coverage under the Aasandha scheme.

As an example, he pointed out that all parliamentarians receive full coverage under Allied Insurance despite which deductions from Allied Insurance are made after deducting from Aasandha.

“Hence, are there any plans to [reform the system] to make Aasandha a second option, if there is another scheme?” he asked.

In response, Aasandha’s Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya said discussions are underway to make reforms under which private insurance will be prioritized if the patient has double insurance.

“We have been advised by Finance (Ministry) to deduct from private insurance if the patient has any, and then deduct from Aasandha,” she said.

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA)’s Managing Director Heena Waleed noted that there were reforms that will come into effect starting in October.

As per Heena, they include deducting from private insurance of double insurance holders first, instead of Aasandha.

Heena said the reforms to double insurance were mostly aimed at ensuring Aasandha’s assistance is provided to those who most need it. She added that the draft for these reforms will soon be drawn up and submitted to the cabinet.