Working in partnership with National/International Health Insurance Companies, BISP launched the Benazir Health Card in 15 Districts of Pakistan. This card allows patients identified by the BISP to obtain health services at enlisted private and public hospitals. To make the selection process transparent, the per household premium is determined through a national competitive bidding process. Partner insurance companies are then responsible for the enrollment of BISP beneficiaries and the collection of all relevant data for each enrolled household. Enrollment of beneficiaries is validated by the BISP central database. Upon validation, families are issued biometric cards which can be used at hospitals and health clinics. Currently, an entire family is covered under one premium. To make this programme more accessible and efficient, a community-based mechanism is being developed for social mobilization that would enhance and improve overall enrollment and utilization of services.
The health card uses an online system that allows patients to avail services from any of the listed medical facilities. Health facility personnel guide the patients through the system and charge the final hospital bill to the account of the card holder. This information is then shared with stakeholders and the management as required.
The insurance package covers full hospitalization for all age groups with a maximum benefit cap of Rs. 25,000/- per family annually. The package also covers pre-existing conditions as well as normal deliveries and hospitalizations due to complicated deliveries and C-sections, and diagnostic tests/procedures conducted during hospitalization.
In February 2012, BISP formally signed the agreement with State Life Corporation to provide health insurance to its registered beneficiary families. Initially launched in Faisalabad District, BISP aims to expand the program to the entire country. In Faisalabad, State Life Insurance has signed agreements with 6 private hospitals and is negotiating with Government of the Punjab to sign similar agreements with public sector hospitals.
