Adequate steps have not been initiated to ensure enforcement of inclusion of mental illness in the insurance services, experts in the sector have rued as they pointed out that despite rising burden of mental illnesses in the country, there remains a huge void in awareness and social understanding of the issues, including particularly low awareness about the need for securing health insurance for mental illnesses.
Following the enforcement of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in May 2018, the Indian insurance regulator had notified insurers to cover medical treatment for mental illnesses.
“Firstly, we need to raise awareness among people about how mental illnesses can happen to anybody and how they come with a huge financial and emotional cost. Secondly, we need insurance providers to offer workable and affordable health plans covering mental illnesses without any significant exclusions.
“In a country where health insurance penetration remains low, keeping premium costs low is very essential. At the same time, we need educative communication campaigns from both government and insurance providers to raise awareness about the need for mental health insurance,” said Nanik Rupani, Principal Adviser Poddar Foundation and Founder, Priyadarshi Academy and Roopmeck Consulting.
Dr Prakriti Poddar, Managing Trustee, Poddar Foundation underlined the need for corporates and organizations to take the lead in offering mental health assistance to their employees and ensuring their mental well-being. She pointed out that 50 per cent of individuals with multiple mental health disorders are affected by substance abuse; of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, around 29 per cent abuse either alcohol or drugs.
Congress leader Milind Deora offered a political perspective on the issue saying that not only do we need to unstigmatisze the subject of mental health but we also need to educate people about insuring themselves against mental disorders. It is imperative for each one of you, as a voter to tell the politicians what you think is an important issue, he said adding that the way Indian fought against HIV and AIDS, now mental illness also needs to become a political issue to fight against.
Research suggests that 1 in 4 people in India deal with some form of mental illness during their lifetime. Mental health experts say rising life expectancy and changing lifestyles have in recent years led to increasing incidence of depression, anxiety disorders and dementia among others.
Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower, said, “mental illness requires prolong medical attention, continuous care and support from professionals, which often is a financial burden on families. The increasing costs of treatment, make patients drop out of the treatment cycle.
“The decision by the IRDAI is a huge step towards a healthier India as now, those suffering from mental health issues will not only get access to the right treatment but also encourage people to reach out for professional help and be victorious against the battle with mental health illness.