Health policy: Out-of-pocket cost jumps as consumables' share in bill rises

Consumables are usually, but not restricted to, medical aid/equipment that have to be discarded after use

Topics
Health Insurance | Insurance Sector | health

Subrata Panda  |  Mumbai 

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to higher out-of-pocket expenses for policyholders as the proportion of consumables in hospital bills, which is not paid for by insurance companies, has increased significantly. According to industry estimates, consumables earlier made up between 2 per cent and 8 per cent of hospital bills.

But during the pandemic, this has increased to 15-20 per cent, with some putting the figure to as high as 30 per cent. Consumables are usually, but not restricted to, medical aid/equipment that have to be discarded after use. The cost incurred from the consumables ...

Dear Reader,


Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor

First Published: Sat, July 10 2021. 06:10 IST
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
.