DISCLAIMER: The objective of this petition is to spread awareness, garner support and seek evidences from general public regarding any rejections of their applications to insurance companies for their PMIs. We do not intend to collect any funds whatsoever. Please skip the "chip in" step after you sign the petition.

This petition is created by an association of caregivers to persons with mental illness (PMIs). The PMIs being our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, siblings and other family members who are dependent on us for lifelong. We are registered as a society by the name ASMICA (Asha Supported Mental Illness Caregivers Association) bearing Reg Certificate No.372 of 2023. This society's objectives are to care, share, empathize, and mutually support the members and their PMIs. Another objective is to provide necessary information and awareness on bipolar mood disorder/schizophrenia to members.

We, the concerned citizens of India, urge the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to take immediate action and require all insurance companies operating in our country to provide coverage for individuals with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, etc. We also demand the removal of exclusion clauses that discriminate against people suffering from conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. Additionally, we call for the elimination of pre-existing clauses that unfairly affect those with mental illnesses.

We are soliciting support from all concerned citizens of India, other similar associations, and registered societies sharing a similar mission. We are also requesting impacted people to attach their specific stories of rejection from insurance companies to this petition.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it remains highly stigmatized and often overlooked in our society. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), approximately 150 million people in India are currently living with some form of mental illness. This staggering number highlights the urgent need for comprehensive insurance coverage that includes mental health conditions.

FINANCIAL/ PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS

The caregivers in general and the members of our society in particular are old and retired living on pension/meagre savings taking care of middle-aged or young PMIs (Persons with Mental Illness) as long as they live. PMIs are being denied insurance coverage which is leaving us with great financial stress to meet the cost of medicines and treatment for our beloved PMIs at Hospitals apart from the cost of admission and maintenance. The Rehabilitation Centers are charging unaffordable fees and admitting PMIs for long periods, when the PMIs turn violent and unmanageable, causing great financial stress and burden to the caregivers. The draining of our meager savings/pension is mainly due to the denial and refusal of insurance coverage to persons with mental illness by Insurance Companies apart from no financial assistance from State/Central Governments.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

There are certain guidelines issued by IRDAI to Insurance Companies vide your circular 327/IRDAI/HLT/MHCA/CIR/220/10/2022 dated 18/10/2022 which made it mandatory for inclusion of all types of mental illnesses from 2022. However, the Insurance companies are not following the guidelines in letter and spirit. There are several instances the Insurance companies refused to cover Bipolar mood disorder/Schizophrenia patients of our society members. We are enclosing examples in this regard for your kind perusal. Most of the Insurance companies refuse orally and decline to give written refusal and reason for refusal.

MANY HEALTH POLICIES CONTRAVENE MH ACT 2017

Most of the companies in one place and in websites say that in compliance with IRDAI guidelines mental illnesses are covered but in policy exclusions, list out schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder mentioning them as “ Mental Disorders” rather than “Mental Illnesses”.

The Mental Health Act 2017 defines these two as mental illnesses and eligible to be covered under Insurance now. We request you to let us know what is the stand of IRDAI in this regard and also provide us a list of diseases under mental illness and metal disorders while instructing the companies clearly to cover Schizophrenia and Bipolar mood disorders.

PRE-EXISTING CLAUSE

Most importantly Schizophrenia/Bipolar disorder strikes at any age. Younger or old strike unexpectedly without, giving warnings. They can be diagnosed only after they strike a person. In view of this, the pre-existing clause and waiting period of 4 years before being eligible to claim has been a source of pain and burden to all caregivers. As you know the critical cost of treating the first episode itself is high followed by a minimum stay in rehab. Thereafter the PMIs will be dependent for life long on us with regular medication at home, and intermittent admissions into hospitals/rehabs. The patients suffering loose cognizance, insight, and focus and are deprived of earning for livelihood. They lead a miserable life with delusions and illusions troubling caregivers financially and emotionally.

Changes required

In view of what is explained in detail, we request your good offices to direct the following to insurance companies immediately.

(1) For coverage of PMIs of all age groups by all the Insurance companies on a priority basis with no conditions attached and offer hassle-free insurance to mentally ill persons as proposed by respective caregivers on par with any physical illness.

(2) To subsidize the cost of insurance to PMIs as a special case on humanitarian grounds. As they are not capable of earning.

(3) To remove the pre-existing clause for PMIs and offer insurance benefits at any time with pro-rata premiums.

(4) To remove the waiting period of 4 years as maintenance of a PMI every year is a great burden to old aged and retired caregivers.

(5) To provide a cashless facility for treatment/hospitalization/rehabilitation in halfway homes for speedy disposal of claims.

(6) As no free ambulance service to transport PMIs to the hospital or Rehab is provided through 108 private arrangements have to be made by caregivers at a high cost. So we request you to include pre-admission expenses including transport etc., (like- Calming down PMI through medication and manpower assistance to handle non-cooperative patients) eligible components for claim.

Conclusion

We believe that every individual deserves access to affordable healthcare services irrespective of their mental health condition. It is time for IRDAI to prioritize mental health and ensure that insurance companies in India provide comprehensive coverage for all citizens. Join us in signing this petition to demand equal insurance coverage for mental illness, the removal of exclusion clauses, and the elimination of pre-existing condition limitations.

Together, let's create a society where no one is left behind due to their mental health struggles.