A Study on Beneficiaries’ Impact on National Health Insurance Scheme (Nhis) In Madurai District

Abstract

The present study entitled “A Study on Beneficiaries’ Impact on National Health Insurance Scheme in Madurai District” was undertaken to assess the impact of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on beneficiaries in terms of financial protection, health and quality of life, healthcare access and beneficiary satisfaction. The study also examined the awareness, enrolment, utilisation, quality of healthcare services, availability of medicines, claim settlement procedures and problems experienced by beneficiaries.The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design. Primary data were collected from 100 beneficiaries in Madurai District using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered socio-economic characteristics, awareness and enrolment, utilisation of health insurance benefits, hospital services, claim settlement, problems faced by beneficiaries, financial impact, health and quality-of-life impact and beneficiary satisfaction. The responses to attitudinal statements were measured using a five-point Likert scale The study concludes that the National Health Insurance Scheme has made a positive contribution to the welfare of beneficiaries in Madurai District, particularly by improving financial protection, facilitating access to healthcare and contributing to better health and quality of life. However, continued attention is required to improve awareness, accessibility of empanelled hospitals, availability of medicines, waiting time, claim settlement, grievance redressal and the prevention of additional or unofficial payments. And concluded that A continuous beneficiary-centred approach, supported by effective monitoring and periodic impact assessment, can further strengthen the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme and contribute to improved health, financial security and quality of life among the people of Madurai District.