Irdai empowers insurers to empanel hospitals for cashless facility

Regulator asks companies to publish board-approved empanelment criteria on their websites periodically; insurers to focus on quality of healthcare services of hospitals being empanelled

cashless
However, Irdai has modified these guidelines to enhance the scope for offering cashless facilities across the length and breadth of the country
Subrata Panda Mumbai
2 min read Last Updated : Jul 21 2022 | 2:01 AM IST
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has permitted insurance companies to empanel network providers or hospitals that meet the standards and benchmark criteria specified by their (the insurers') respective boards so as to enhance the scope of offering cashless facility across the country.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, Irdai said, “…the insurers are now empowered to empanel the network providers that meet the standards and benchmarks criteria as specified by their respective boards. While specifying the criteria, the board of insurers shall, amongst others, consider especially the minimum manpower and healthcare infrastructure facilities”.

The regulator has directed insurance companies to publish the board-approved empanelment criteria on their website from time to time. Also, while empaneling hospitals for cashless facilities, insurers will also have to focus on the delivery of quality of healthcare services.

Also Read: ICICI Lombard General Insurance dips 5% post June quarter earnings

Under the regulator's norms on standards and benchmarks for hospitals in the provider network, hospitals wanting to be empaneled had to register with the Registry of Hospitals in the Network of lnsurers (ROHINI) maintained by the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB).

Also, they had to obtain either “NABH Entry Level Certification” (or higher certificate) issued by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) or State Level Certificate (or higher certificate) under National Quality Assurance Standards (NOAS), issued by National Health Systems Resources Centre (NHSRC).

However, Irdai has modified these guidelines to enhance the scope for offering cashless facilities across the length and breadth of the country.

“The regulatory initiative will increase the scope of the insurers’ cashless services, which would play a pivotal role in reducing the financial burden on policyholders. This will also provide a strong network of health care plus insurance services countrywide,” said Sharad Mathur, MD&CEO, Universal Sompo General Insurance. 

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Quarterly Starter

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

Save 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :IRDAIInsurance companiesInsurershospitalsCashlessinsurance firmLife InsuracnceInsurancegeneral insurersInsurance industry

Next Story