CM's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) Tamil Nadu

What is CMCHIS?

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) provides free medical and surgical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at government and empanelled private hospitals. The scheme covers over 1,000 medical procedures including surgeries, diagnostics, and follow-up care. It has been integrated with the central Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme.

Who is Eligible?

1. All families with annual income below ₹1,20,000 (₹1.2 lakh)
2. Must hold a valid rice ration card issued by Tamil Nadu
3. Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu
4. All family members listed on the ration card are covered
5. No age limit — covers newborns to senior citizens

Coverage Details

What is Covered?

• Heart surgeries (bypass, valve replacement)
• Cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
• Kidney transplant and dialysis
• Joint replacement
• Neurosurgery
• Eye surgeries (cataract, retina)
• Burns treatment
• Accident and trauma care
• And many more (1,000+ procedures)

Documents Required

• Rice Ration Card (Tamil Nadu)
• Aadhaar Card of the patient
• CMCHIS Card (if already enrolled)
• Hospital referral (if going from government to private hospital)
• Medical records of the condition

How to Avail CMCHIS Treatment

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit a government hospital or any CMCHIS-empanelled private hospital
2. Show your ration card and Aadhaar card at the CMCHIS help desk in the hospital
3. Biometric verification — fingerprint authentication to confirm identity
4. Doctor examines and recommends the required procedure
5. Pre-authorization — the hospital sends the treatment request to CMCHIS for approval
6. Approval received (usually within hours for emergencies)
7. Treatment performed — completely free for the patient
8. Post-treatment — medicines for 10 days and follow-up consultation covered

Finding Empanelled Hospitals

1. Visit cmchistn.com
2. Click on "Hospital List" or "Network Hospitals"
3. Search by district to find empanelled hospitals near you

How to Get the CMCHIS Card

• If you have a valid rice ration card, you are automatically eligible
• Visit any government hospital or CMCHIS centre with your ration card and Aadhaar
• The CMCHIS card/e-card is generated instantly after biometric verification
• In many cases, just the ration card + Aadhaar is sufficient (no separate card needed)

Processing Time

• Emergency Treatment: Immediate (no pre-authorization needed)
• Planned Surgery: Pre-authorization takes 1-3 days
• CMCHIS Card: Instant (at hospital help desk)

Important Tips

1. Carry Ration Card Always: This is your primary proof of eligibility. Keep it accessible.
2. Emergency = No Waiting: For emergencies, hospitals must treat first. Pre-authorization happens in parallel.
3. Check Hospital Empanelment: Not all private hospitals are empanelled. Verify on the website before going.
4. Use Government Hospitals First: Government hospitals are always covered. For private hospitals, a referral may be needed.
5. Keep Medical Records: Maintain all previous treatment records — they help in faster approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is CMCHIS the same as Ayushman Bharat?

CMCHIS has been integrated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in Tamil Nadu. The combined scheme provides ₹5 lakh coverage.

Q2: Can I use CMCHIS at any private hospital?

No. Only at CMCHIS-empanelled private hospitals. Check the list at cmchistn.com.

Q3: Is there a waiting period for pre-existing diseases?

No. Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.

Q4: What if my ₹5 lakh limit is exhausted?

If the ₹5 lakh annual limit is exhausted, you can seek treatment at government hospitals where treatment continues to be free.

Q5: Are medicines covered?

Post-discharge medicines for up to 10 days and follow-up consultations are covered under the scheme.

Q6: Can senior citizens use CMCHIS?

Yes. There is no age limit. All family members on the ration card, including senior citizens, are covered.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is independent and not affiliated with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Verify at cmchistn.com.