After a long due consideration of more than 5 years, Mental Health Insurance has been introduced under Mental Health Act 2017. The act proposed by the Ministry of Law and Justice detailed the who, what, and how of mental illness and their caregivers. But the primitive health insurance did not cover them. From 31st October 2022, it has been made mandatory for insurance to cover mental illness as part of their healthcare insurance.
Mental health is also health
When it comes to health, in the 21st century, we have an understanding of the fact that it includes everything- from physical and pathological to mental or psychological.
This acceptance has only begun about some decades into this new century and in the year 2017 in India it took its place in government policies. To be acknowledged the way it has been by a developing country presents an image of positive inclusion.
Illness of any kind, of any body part, has been considered under healthcare and policies concerning them, but mental illness was still under social taboo.
Mental Health Act 2017
In April 2017 the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India came up with an act to preserve the rights of citizens suffering the pangs of mental illness. A 51-page document provides details about the legalities concerning this Act and emphasises the practice of it in the law for the health ministry.
The Chapter II of the Act clarifies ‘Mental Illness and Capacity to Make Mental Health Care and Treatment Decisions’ which describes who is categorised as mentally ill and who provides what services.
This section suffices those who will be availing of mental health services. The professionals- psychologists and psychiatrists have been named and their academic degrees specified to provide their services to the patients.
Chapter III speaks of the ‘Advanced Directive’ which is the direct consultation of an adult with a mental healthcare professional. They are in no need of permission from their guardians and caretakers but may take their assistance during the period of service.
Mental Health Insurance
Chapter V pronounces the ‘Rights of Persons with Mental Illness.’ This chapter has been processed further by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) which now covers mental health under insurance policies provided to the citizens.
The right to health insurance falls under the Ministry of Law and Justice and is also supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This proves beneficial for people who intend to have assistance in times of health crisis.
From 31st October 2022, Mental Health Insurance has been made obligatory through Mental Health Act 2017 and has been appreciated by the head of several mental health institutes.
This has come as a boon for people who previously faced financial barriers in availing of the services. The insurance will cover ‘mental illness’ described as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour, capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life, and mental conditions associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
It is important to note the difference between mental illness and mental retardation as mental retardation is considered for healthcare services on a different platform and does not fall under this Act and insurance obligation.
Hope for the best
With financial constraints, some individuals are unable to pursue a certain level of medical treatment and limit their treatment. Coming of this obligation will easily prompt them to avail the benefits leading to better health.
Mental health is as important as every other health of a human being and is now being given priority. Despite having several layers of social taboo the reform centres allow psychologists and psychiatrists to visit and provide counselling and therapy.
Those who are not caught up in the reform centre but lack proper finances are now entitled to be helped under this insurance obligation which makes it an illegal and criminal offence for the insurance policy providers if they do not introduce a new policy that covers mental illness.
As a progressive and growing society, we should hope for the best for everyone on this earth.
read more : Social Media and Mental Health-What’s the Impact and How to Overcome it
