Quick Overview:
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is a flagship public health initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is designed to ensure that economically vulnerable families can access quality hospital care without facing financial distress due to medical bills.
This article explains how CMCHIS works, what it covers, and how you can enrol or download your card to use the scheme smoothly.
What is the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), earlier known as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam, was launched on 23 July 2009 to provide access to quality healthcare for eligible families in Tamil Nadu. The benefits can be availed of through a network of empanelled government and private hospitals.
The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of hospitalization and support the state’s long-term goal of universal health coverage by linking beneficiaries with the public health system.
From January 2022 to 2027, United India Insurance Company implements the scheme. As of January 2022, CMCHIS covers about 1.37 crore families, with 1,090 approved procedures, 8 follow-up procedures, and 52 diagnostic procedures offered across 800 government and 900 empanelled private hospitals.
Important Note:
PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) is implemented in convergence with CMCHIS in Tamil Nadu (commonly referred to as the PMJAY–CMCHIS integrated scheme).
However, this does not mean the coverage doubles for beneficiaries. The annual family cover is ₹5 lakh in total. Having both CMCHIS and PM-JAY does not mean the cover doubles to ₹10 lakh.
The distinction works at the backend, where claim costs are shared between the Centre and the State or borne entirely by the State, depending on the beneficiary’s eligibility category.
CMCHIS provides cashless hospitalisation up to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a floater basis for covered treatments.
Benefits of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive HI Scheme
Financial Protection During Medical Emergencies
Enables access to high-cost treatments without the burden of large out-of-pocket expenses.
Wide Hospital Network
Treatment is available across a large number of empanelled government and private hospitals, including in remote areas.
Coverage for Multiple Treatments
A broad list of approved procedures reduces the need for beneficiaries to pay from their own pocket.
High Sum Insured
Provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, offering meaningful relief for hospitalisation costs.
Follow-up and Diagnostic Coverage
Includes select follow-up treatments and diagnostics, helping reduce additional medical expenses after hospitalisation.
Documents Required for the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme
- Income certificate issued by the VAO or Revenue Authority
- Ration card (original and photocopy)
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of identity and address
- Self-declaration from the head of the family
- PAN card (optional)
Eligibility Criteria for CMCHIS
Tamil Nadu Residency
The applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
Family Income Limit
The family’s annual income should be below ₹1,20,000, as certified by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Revenue Authorities.
Listed as a Family Member
The applicant must be included as a member in the family ration card used for CMCHIS enrolment.
Required Documents
Eligibility must be verified through documents such as the ration card, Aadhaar card, income certificate, and a self-declaration from the head of the family.
Eligible Family Members
Coverage extends to the eligible individual, their legal spouse, children, and dependent parents.
Exclusions Under CMCHIS
The following individuals are not eligible to enrol or receive benefits under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme:
- Non-residents of Tamil Nadu: Individuals who do not have permanent residency in Tamil Nadu.
- Families above the Income Threshold: Individuals whose annual family income exceeds ₹72,000 are not eligible to enrol in the scheme.
- Not listed in the Family Ration Card: Individuals who are not included as members in the family’s ration card.
- Refugees Without Valid Citizenship Proof: Non–Sri Lankan refugees who do not possess acceptable proof of citizenship.
- Migrants Without Valid Certification: Migrants from other Indian states who do not hold a migration certificate issued by the appropriate authority.
- Unattached Orphans and Rescued Girl Children: Orphans or rescued girl children who are not linked to any registered or recognised organisation.
How to Access CMCHIS: Online Registration and Member ID
While enrolment is largely done offline through designated centres, beneficiaries can access their CMCHIS details online using:
- Aadhaar number
- Ration card details
- CMCHIS Member ID
The official portal also allows you to verify enrolment status and retrieve member information.
Application Process (Offline)
The CMCHIS enrolment process is conducted offline through authorised centres and involves the following steps:
- Obtain an Income Certificate: Collect a valid income certificate from the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Revenue Authorities.
- Prepare the Required documents: Gather essential documents such as your Aadhaar card, ration card, and income certificate.
- Visit an Enrolment Centre: Go to the nearest authorised CMCHIS enrolment centre and submit your documents for verification.
- Complete Biometric Authentication: Provide biometric details, including your photograph, fingerprints, and eye scan.
- Receive the CMCHIS e-card: Once verification is complete, your CMCHIS e-card will be issued, confirming your enrolment under the scheme.
How to Download the CMCHIS Card Online?
Diseases and Treatments Covered Under CMCHIS
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme covers a wide range of medical conditions and specialised treatments across major disciplines. This includes areas such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, nephrology, women’s health, paediatrics, and critical care, among others.
Since the list of covered procedures is detailed and periodically updated, beneficiaries should refer to the official CMCHIS website for the complete and latest list of approved diseases, procedures, and packages before seeking treatment.
How to File a CMCHIS Claim?
CMCHIS offers cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. The steps to file a claim include:
- Present your CMCHIS smart card or e-card at the hospital during admission.
- The hospital verifies details and submits the claim to the authorised agency for approval.
- Once approved, the insurer settles the bill directly with the hospital.
- You can track claim status online using your Member ID.
- Aadhaar is used for identity verification and de-duplication, and Aadhaar seeding forms part of the scheme’s beneficiary validation process.
Note: No separate claim filing is required by the beneficiary.
Address and Toll-Free Number for CMCHIS
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme provides multiple contact options to help beneficiaries with queries, grievances, and scheme-related assistance.
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Ditto’s Take on CMCHIS
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme plays a critical role in improving healthcare access for low-income families in Tamil Nadu. With cashless treatment, a wide network of empanelled hospitals, and coverage for many high-cost procedures, it significantly reduces the financial burden of hospitalisation.
However, government health schemes come with fixed coverage limits and predefined procedure lists. For middle and higher-income families, or those who prefer premium private hospitals, CMCHIS alone may not be sufficient. An uncovered treatment, consumable, or extended hospital stay can still result in out-of-pocket expenses.
In such cases, opting for a personal health insurance plan provides greater control over hospital selection, room categories, coverage limits, and add-on benefits, while CMCHIS continues to act as a valuable safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions
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