The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has confirmed that Aasandha services will remain available for individuals who are required to pay out of pocket due to recent changes in cashless services by private insurance providers. This announcement follows adjustments that affected the delivery of Aasandha benefits to patients with private insurance coverage, raising concerns among policyholders.
Under the revised policy introduced last Friday, patients who are covered by private insurance will only qualify for Aasandha support once their insurance limit has been exhausted or for treatments not covered by their insurance plans. This change has led several private insurers to suspend cashless services for outpatient care, compelling hospitals to charge the full cost of services directly to private insurance holders. The shift took effect yesterday, with many patients now responsible for covering outpatient expenses up front.
In a press release on Sunday, NSPA addressed these developments, clarifying that individuals without private insurance or those not covered under private insurance for certain treatments will continue to receive full support under the Aasandha scheme. NSPA assured that Aasandha will extend coverage to patients who must pay out of pocket, regardless of the cashless service suspension by private insurers.
“In all cases where you are not covered by your own insurance policy and have to pay out of your own pocket, Aasandha will continue to provide coverage as before,” the agency stated, providing reassurance to those affected by the changes.
The suspension of cashless services by private insurance providers presents challenges for policyholders, particularly those requiring regular outpatient care. With upfront payments now necessary, individuals may face financial strain, as they must manage expenses directly and await reimbursement from their insurance providers. For patients undergoing frequent treatment or with ongoing health needs, this change could impose an added burden.
For those without private insurance or coverage limitations, NSPA’s confirmation of Aasandha’s support serves as a critical safety net. By ensuring continued access to Aasandha for out-of-pocket expenses, NSPA aims to mitigate the impact of these adjustments and provide uninterrupted care for all Maldivians.
The NSPA has encouraged the public to contact the Aasandha hotline at 1400 for accurate, up-to-date information on available services, addressing concerns and providing guidance on how these policy changes may affect individual cases.
