HIV infected to get life insurance cover

An insurance scheme for the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) was launched
in India in February this year by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). The
scheme is a first-of-its-kind to be launched in the country.
The scheme — Jeevodhayam — is aimed at addressing issues relating to the social
security of PLHA and is particularly aimed at those living in rural areas and those
who are below the poverty line. Basically a micro insurance scheme, Jeevodhayam
provides insurance cover which is essential for financing mortgages and to ensure
social security.
The scheme is currently functioning on a pilot basis in South India and has a target
of 2,000 PLHAs, as estimated by a NGO working in this regard. Also, the NGO plans
to extend it to a national scale soon.
Micro insurance is a positive strategy in addressing the social security concerns of
the PLHAs. The current effort is a first step in the demonstrability of the feasibility of
micro insurance for the PLHA at a premium which will be affordable for people below
the poverty line. However, this is directly connected with the enhanced survival rates
of the PLHAs – which is possible through effective care and support programs.
The scheme shall be monitored and upgraded regularly to take into account factors
such as latest medical advances and statistics that could be used to fine tune the
insurance policy coverage making it more comprehensive to address the needs of
the PLHA.