The world is full of uncertainties. Accidents and illnesses can strike one down without warning. In case of such an unfortunate event, people need to be hospitalised. Not everyone can afford expensive medical treatment. Those who have enough savings can go ahead but then they have to face the challenge of managing their life without much savings.

WJHS – Working Journalist Health Scheme by Government of Andhra Pradesh - Acko

This is where health insurance schemes can help people to keep their savings intact and take care of medical expenses. The Working Journalist Health Scheme is one such scheme that is promoted by the Andhra Pradesh Government. Read ahead to know details related to this welfare scheme.

What is the Working Journalist Health Scheme?

The Working Journalist Health Scheme, or WJHS as it is popularly referred to, is a cashless treatment scheme for all State Government Working Journalists. It is not just for the individuals but also for their family members that are dependent on them. Journalists can benefit from this scheme in case of listed therapies. They have to approach an empanelled hospital or a network hospital to avail the benefits associated with the scheme.

Eligibility for Working Journalist Health Scheme – YSRAHCT:

To understand the eligibility criteria for the Working Journalist Health Scheme AP, it is essential to have a basic awareness of the term – working journalist. The Working Journalist Act 1955 mentions a working journalist as a person whose vocation is that of a journalist, either part-time or full-time. The person can function in the role of an editor, sub-editor, feature writer, etc. but not be employed mainly in an administrative role or perform managerial functions. For this scheme, a State Government Journalist shall be a person as defined under Fundamental Rules.

Features and Benefits of the Working Journalist Health Scheme:

Here are the key highlights of the scheme.

  • Financial coverage of 50% of the amount will be offered by the government, the rest will be contributed by the journalist.
  • Cashless coverage in network hospitals.
  • Inclusion of dependent family members. Note that the nature of the dependency must meet the terms and conditions.
  • The benefit of in-patient treatment.
  • Post-discharge coverage for 30 days.
  • Out-patient evaluation in case of listed therapies.
  • Follow-up services for a period of one year.

Enrolment Process for Working Journalist Health Scheme:

Mentioned below is the stepwise process to enrol for the state government’s health scheme for the journalists.

  • Step 1 – The interested journalist should meet up with the respective District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) to initiate the enrolment process. Upon contact, the applicant should offer the necessary details needed for the registration.
  • Step 2 – After the DPRO receives the required details from the applicant, the DPRO should log in to the dedicated portal on the Working Journalist Health Scheme’s Portal.
  • Step 3 – Click the Registration button and select Adding Journalist to Scheme.
  • Step 4 – Mention journalist’s details such as first name, last name, department, designation, and district. Once done, click Submit. Upon successful submission, the screen will display this message – KDP1 Created Successfully.
  • Step 5 – Click Registration and select Add Basic Details of Accredited Journalist.
  • Step 6 – Fill the registration form with details that have not been auto-populated. The form needs: personal details, work-related details, identification details, and correspondence details. Aadhaar details need to be submitted as an attachment.
  • Step 7 – Add details of family members (optional).
  • Step 8 – Verify details and click Submit Application.
  • Step 9 – Upon successful submission, the screen will show this message – Application pending with the Information & Public Relations Department for approval.
  • Step 10 – Enrolment is successful after approval.

Also, read: Arogya Sanjeevani Policy

Download Health Card for Working Journalist Health Scheme:

Here’s how you can download the health card associated with the Andhra Pradesh Working Journalist Health Scheme.

  • Step 1 – Receive User ID and Password from the District Public Relations Officer or Information & Public Relations Department. The same can be received by dialling 104 and following the Sevakendram’s process.
  • Step 2 – Visit the WJHS Portal and login.
  • Step 3 – Change Password
  • Step 4 – Sign-in
  • Step 5 – Click Registration
  • Step 6 – Click Download Health Card

Working Journalist Health Scheme Hospitals Requirements:

Here are some basic details related to the hospitals that are a part of the scheme.

Health Care Providers:

A registered hospital or a nursing home in Andhra Pradesh is termed as a Health Care Provider. If the Health Care Provider meets the eligibility criteria set by Dr YSR Aarogyasri for empanelment, it becomes a part of the trust. When a hospital becomes empanelled, it comes to be known as a network hospital. There is an agreement between the trust and the hospitals regarding the settlement of payments as per the scheme.

Distribution of Network Hospitals:

Hospitals that want to be a part of the network hospitals need to have adequate facilities. For example, if a hospital has 50 beds, it should have specialities related to Surgery, Orthopedics, etc. Similarly, a multi-speciality hospital should offer super-speciality services like Cardiology, Neurology, etc.

Network Hospital Requirements:

The requirements are related to infrastructure and equipment.

Here’s a list of infrastructure requirements:

  • Technically advanced facility with efficient diagnostic support. It can be in-house or be a part of a tie-up.
  • State-of-the art Operation Theatre.
  • 50 in-patient medical beds
  • Pharmacy and Pantry.
  • Distinct General Wards (separate for male and female).
  • ICU, Post-operative ward with proper facilities
  • Blood bank facility. It can be in-house or a part of a tie-up.

Here’s a list of equipment requirements:

  • Sterilizers.
  • Casualty: Oxygen, suction, monitors.
  • Out-patient instruments as required based on the speciality.
  • Post-Operative Ward requirements: Bedside Monitors, Oxygen, Suction
  • For Intensive Care Unit: Monitors by the bed, Ventilators, Oxygen, Suction
  • Operation table, C-Arm, Endoscopes.

List of Working Journalist Health Scheme Hospitals:

Here’s how you can find out which hospitals are a part of the network hospital list when it comes to the Working Journalist Health Scheme.

  • Step 1 – Visit the YSR Arogyasri Website.
  • Step 2 – Select WJHS from the header.
  • Step 3 – Click on List of Empanelled Hospitals.
  • Step 4 – Select State from the drop-down menu.
  • Step 5 – Select District from the drop-down menu.
  • Step 6 – Select Speciality from the drop-down menu.
  • Step 7 – Click on Search.
  • Step 8 – View the table showcasing the location and the hospital name.
  • Step 9 – For more details, click ‘View’.

Patient Process Flow in WJHS:

A beneficiary of this scheme will have to follow the following flow to avail treatment at a network hospital.

  • Step 1 – Beneficiary approaches network hospital.
  • Step 2 – Registration.
  • Step 3 – Preliminary diagnosis.
  • Step 4 – Either Out-patient or In-patient registration.
  • Step 5 – In-patient case moves towards E-preauthorization and then to surgery.
  • Step 6 – Patient is discharged and follows-up if necessary.
  • Step 7 – Claim settlement as per the treatment, stated package rates and applicable terms and conditions.

Also, read: Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak Insurance for COVID-19

WJHS Head Office and Helpline Number:

For issues pertaining to WJHS, you can reach out to the following touchpoints:

  • D.No. 25-16-116/B, Chuttugunta, Behind Gautam’s Hero Showroom, Guntur – 522004. Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • Phone No: 0863-2222802/2259861
  • CEO-Peshi: 0863-2259861(Ext:302)
  • Email: [email protected]

Claims Processing in WJHS by AP Govt.:

Cashless claims in WJHS are possible because of the smooth interaction between the network hospital and the Arogyasri trust. All settlements are done electronically. Before settling the claim amount, the authorities conduct a thorough verification including verifying the patient’s identity, checking pre-authorization limits, evidence related to the treatment availed. Any discrepancies regarding the verification process are handled between the network hospitals and the relevant authorities and the claim is settled accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Mentioned below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Working Journalist Health Scheme.

Where can I find the list of procedures covered under the scheme?

You can find the list of procedures covered under the scheme by visiting YSR Arogyasri Website.

Which number should I dial if I have basic queries regarding the scheme?

You can dial the 104-medical helpline for basic queries.

Is there a way to check how a health card looks like?

You can check out a sample health card in here. It usually features the beneficiary’s photograph and personal information for identification. Such a card comes in handy at the time of registration in a network hospital.

What is the meaning of a de-empanelled hospital and where can I find the list of such hospitals?

De-empanelled hospitals are those care centres that are no longer a part of the scheme. such a list can be found on the website’s De-empanelled list section.

Is consultation a part of the follow-up coverage?

Consultation can be a part of the follow-up coverage provided it is for the therapies that are covered under the WJHS.

Which organisation handles the implementation of the scheme?

Dr YSR Aarogyasri Health Care Trust handles the WJHS under the supervision of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Can an unemployed son who is less than 25 years of age qualify as a dependant as per the scheme?

Yes, such a person can qualify as a dependent.

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