PANJIM: The State government may have to shell out over 300 percent more to continue the Deen Dayal Swasthya Yojana (DDSSY), the cashless health insurance scheme, launched in September 2016.
The contract with the United Insurance Company Ltd ended on March 31, 2018 while the government has extended the term till May 31 to complete the bidding process.
Sources in the Health Department said that four insurance companies have quoted for the scheme, but all have quoted between Rs 9,000 and 10,000 per card, forcing the department to take time to open the bids.
United Insurance Company that was selected in 2016 has also quoted a similar amount, though it was Rs 2800 per card earlier.
The insurance companies justified the increased cost as the scheme has been modified by the government and person is now eligible to take benefits even if he is residing in Goa for two to four years on condition of paying the full premium prescribed in the bid. Earlier, only people residing for five or more year in Goa were eligible.
Besides, the government has also added extra features and increased the number of procedures and interventions.
