Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) in Tamil Nadu: A Complete Guide

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is the flagship health insurance program of the Government of Tamil Nadu, designed to provide quality healthcare to eligible families across the state. Initially launched in 2009 as the 'Chief Minister Kalaignar Insurance Scheme for life saving treatments' (Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam), it was restructured and launched as CMCHIS in 2012.

In a significant move to enhance healthcare access, Tamil Nadu integrated its state scheme with the central government's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in September 2018. The scheme is now co-branded and collectively known as AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS. This integration expanded the coverage for beneficiaries to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a floater basis.

The scheme operates entirely on a cashless basis at a wide network of empanelled government and private hospitals. It aims to reduce the financial burden on low-income families by covering expenses for a vast range of medical procedures, surgeries, and hospitalisation, including treatment for pre-existing conditions from day one.

AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS Tamil Nadu at a Glance

• Scheme Name — Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)
• Co-branded As — AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS
• Launch Year — 2009 (as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam), 2012 (as CMCHIS)
• Annual Coverage — Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Implementing Agency — United India Insurance Company
• 24x7 Toll-Free Helpline — 1800 425 3993
• Official Portal — www.cmchistn.com

Rates shown are as per the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, Govt. of Tamil Nadu (2023) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

What Does the CMCHIS Cover?

The AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS provides substantial financial protection to eligible families with a health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. This coverage operates on a floater basis, meaning the entire sum can be used by one or more members of the family for one or multiple hospitalisations until the limit is exhausted for that policy year.

The scheme is designed to cover a wide spectrum of medical needs, focusing on secondary and tertiary care. It includes 1,090 medical and surgical procedures, 52 diagnostic procedures, and 8 follow-up procedures. Some official communications mention that the total number of covered procedures exceeds 1,500. A key feature of the scheme is that it covers pre-existing diseases from the very first day of enrolment, without any waiting period.

• **Major Surgeries:** Coverage extends to complex procedures in cardiology and cardiac surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, and orthopaedic surgeries.
• **Specialised Treatments:** The scheme covers cancer care (including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology), nephrology treatments like dialysis, and organ transplants for kidney, liver, and bone marrow.
• **Maternity and Child Care:** Services for maternity, C-sections, and care for newborns are included under the scheme.
• **Critical and Emergency Care:** High-end procedures, critical care, and trauma care are also covered, ensuring support during medical emergencies.
• **Diagnostic Procedures:** The costs for essential diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and angiograms are covered when required as part of a treatment package.

Who is Eligible for the CMCHIS?

Eligibility for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is primarily based on residence and annual family income. The state has set its own criteria to ensure a wider population can benefit from the scheme.

The core eligibility requirements for a family are:

In addition to the above, certain other groups are also eligible to enrol in the scheme without an income limit, provided they meet specific criteria:

• The family must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
• The total annual family income must be less than ₹1,20,000. This limit was recently increased from the previous cap of ₹72,000 per year.
• The applicant's name must be present in the family's smart ration card.
• Sri Lankan refugees who possess a valid migration certificate.
• Migrants from other Indian states who have been residing in Tamil Nadu for a minimum of six months and hold a valid certificate from a designated authority.
• Orphans and children rescued from registered or unregistered organisations and placed in government-approved homes.

How to Enrol and Get the CMCHIS Card

The enrolment process for CMCHIS is conducted offline at designated centres across the state. While the official portal, www.cmchistn.com, can be used to check eligibility status and download an existing e-card, new registrations must be done in person.

To enrol, the head of the family should visit the nearest enrolment kiosk, which is typically located at the District Collector's office, Taluk offices, or designated e-Sevai centres. During the enrolment process, biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph of the family members will be captured.

The following documents are required at the time of enrolment:

Once the details are verified and biometrics are captured, a CMCHIS e-card is generated. This card contains a unique member ID and is essential for availing cashless services at empanelled hospitals. Beneficiaries can later download and print this e-card from the official scheme website.

• Smart Ration Card of the family.
• Aadhaar cards of all family members to be included in the scheme.
• A valid Income Certificate issued by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or another authorised revenue authority.
• A self-declaration form signed by the head of the family.

How CMCHIS Works with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Since September 2018, the CMCHIS has been integrated with the central government's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This integration created a co-branded scheme, now known as AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS, combining the strengths of both programs for the people of Tamil Nadu.

The primary difference between the standalone national PM-JAY and Tamil Nadu's integrated model lies in the eligibility criteria. Nationally, PM-JAY beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. However, Tamil Nadu has adopted a 'hybrid model' by extending the benefits to a much larger population. The state uses its own broader eligibility criterion of an annual family income below ₹1,20,000.

This means that all existing and new beneficiaries of CMCHIS who meet the state's income criteria are automatically eligible for the enhanced coverage of ₹5 lakh per year provided under PM-JAY. The smart card issued to beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu features the logos of both the state and central schemes, reflecting this integration.

Using the CMCHIS Card at an Empanelled Hospital

The AB-PMJAY - CMCHIS operates on a 100% cashless basis, which means beneficiaries are not required to pay any money for covered treatments at an empanelled hospital. The scheme does not have a provision for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the patient.

The scheme has a large network of approved healthcare providers. As of early 2023, this included over 800 government hospitals and more than 900 private hospitals across Tamil Nadu. Beneficiaries can find an updated list of empanelled hospitals on the official CMCHIS website.

The process for availing cashless treatment is straightforward:

After the treatment is complete, the hospital submits the final bills and documents to the insurance company for settlement. The patient can be discharged without making any payment for the covered procedures.

• **Step 1:** The beneficiary must present their CMCHIS e-card and Aadhaar card at the dedicated scheme counter of an empanelled hospital.
• **Step 2:** The hospital's coordinator verifies the patient's identity and eligibility using their card details or biometric data.
• **Step 3:** For a planned surgery or hospitalisation, the hospital sends a pre-authorization request to the insurance company with details of the diagnosis and proposed treatment.
• **Step 4:** In case of a medical emergency, treatment can be started immediately. The hospital must then seek pre-authorization within 24 hours of the patient's admission.
• **Step 5:** Once the pre-authorization is approved, the hospital provides the necessary treatment to the patient completely free of cost.

Recent Updates and Developments

The Government of Tamil Nadu continues to strengthen and expand the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The scheme's implementation was officially extended for a five-year period from January 11, 2022, to 2027, with United India Insurance Company serving as the administrator.

One of the key recent changes was the increase in the annual family income limit for eligibility, which was raised from ₹72,000 to ₹1,20,000, allowing more families to qualify for the scheme's benefits.

Additionally, the state has enhanced the 'Nammai Kakkum 48' scheme, which provides cashless treatment to road accident victims within the first 48 hours. The treatment ceiling under this initiative, which can be linked to CMCHIS, was increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh. Looking ahead, the state's Health Minister announced in August 2026 that the government is actively discussing a further expansion of the CMCHIS to include a broader range of medical procedures, with a decision expected in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual income limit to be eligible for the CMCHIS in Tamil Nadu?

To be eligible for the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, the annual family income must be less than ₹1,20,000. This limit was increased from the previous ₹72,000.

Are pre-existing diseases covered under the Tamil Nadu health insurance scheme?

Yes, one of the significant benefits of the CMCHIS is that it covers pre-existing diseases from day one of the policy. There is no waiting period for such conditions.

Can I get a reimbursement for medical bills paid out-of-pocket?

No, the CMCHIS is a 100% cashless scheme. There is no provision for reimbursement of medical expenses. All treatments must be availed at empanelled hospitals on a cashless basis only.

How can I apply for a new CMCHIS card?

New enrolment for the CMCHIS card is an offline process. You need to visit a designated enrolment centre, such as a district kiosk, Taluk office, or e-Sevai centre, with required documents like your Smart Ration Card, Aadhaar cards, and an income certificate.

What is the main difference between CMCHIS and the national PM-JAY scheme?

While integrated, the primary difference is in eligibility. The national PM-JAY scheme identifies beneficiaries using the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. Tamil Nadu's CMCHIS extends the scheme's benefits to a wider population by using a state-defined annual income limit of ₹1,20,000.

How can I find a list of hospitals covered by CMCHIS?

You can find the complete and updated list of all empanelled government and private hospitals on the official website of the scheme, which is www.cmchistn.com.

What is the helpline number for the CMCHIS scheme?

A 24x7 toll-free helpline is available for any queries or assistance related to the scheme. The number is 1800 425 3993. Other contact numbers for specific hours are 9384020947 and 9384020948.

Related

• Government hospital OPD guides in Tamil Nadu
• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility check
• Government health schemes in India: a guide

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.