Launch Of National Portal To Simplify Health Insurance Claims Processing
Currently, hospitals rely on disparate private portals for insurance claims processing, causing inconvenience for consumers
The government is gearing up to introduce a centralised portal that will streamline health insurance claims processing across hospitals nationwide. Expected to be unveiled within the next two to three months, the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) will serve as a one-stop platform for this purpose.
This innovative portal will adopt a standardised data collection format, housing all necessary information required by various insurance companies. Its primary objective is to expedite pre-authorisation and discharge approvals while aiming to reduce insurance premiums in the future.
Currently, hospitals rely on disparate private portals for insurance claims processing, causing inconvenience for consumers. The NHCX will revolutionise this process by consolidating approximately 50 insurance providers under one roof, enabling faster and more efficient processing.
Developed as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the NHCX is poised to streamline the claim settlement process for all stakeholders involved. Hospitals will be able to electronically submit claims, thereby minimising paperwork and expediting approvals. Insurance companies stand to benefit from swifter and more streamlined claim processing. Most importantly, policyholders can anticipate quicker claim settlements and a smoother reimbursement experience.
Parthanil Ghosh, Director & Chief Business Officer at HDFC ERGO General Insurance, emphasised the significance of the NHCX in promoting interoperability, democratising insurance and enhancing transparency within the industry. He highlighted the platform's role in empowering individuals, medical service providers and insurers with greater access to healthcare data, thereby facilitating seamless claim experiences.
The NHCX is anticipated to introduce greater transparency and efficiency to the health insurance sector. Its centralised nature will facilitate easier claim tracking and potentially reduce instances of fraud.
Amitabh Jain, COO of Star Health Insurance, underscored the benefits of the NHCX in driving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, streamlining data management, ensuring regulatory compliance, minimising discrepancies and facilitating scalability within the industry. He noted that Star Health Insurance has fully integrated its systems with the NHCX and is actively collaborating with the GI council to onboard major hospitals onto the platform promptly.
In summary, the introduction of the NHCX heralds a significant advancement in the realm of health insurance claims processing, promising enhanced efficiency, transparency and convenience for all stakeholders involved.
