The Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is a major healthcare initiative by the Tamil Nadu Government that provides cashless treatment to eligible families. Launched in 2009 and later expanded, the scheme offers up to Rs. 5,00,000 annual coverage for serious medical conditions, ensuring that low-income families can access quality treatment without financial burden.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) |
| Date of Launch | 23 July 2009 (Revamped in 2012) |
| Benefits Provided | Cashless health coverage up to Rs. 5,00,000 per family per year |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Low-income families of Tamil Nadu with a valid ration card |
| Official Portal | cmchistn.com |
| Responsible Agency | Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP) |
| How to Apply | Online form submission and offline enrollment through designated centres with biometric verification. |
Introduction of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS): A Brief Insight
The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) is a flagship initiative of the Tamil Nadu Government aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for economically vulnerable families. The scheme was originally launched as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam in July 2009 and later expanded as CMCHIS in 2012 to provide wider coverage and better medical support.
This scheme is implemented under the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP), ensuring structured delivery of healthcare benefits across the state.
Currently operated by United India Insurance Company, the scheme covers around 1.48 crore families across Tamil Nadu and continues its implementation up to 2027. It offers cashless medical treatment for a wide range of serious illnesses through an extensive network of government and private hospitals across the state.
Under this scheme, eligible families can receive health coverage of up to Rs. 5,00,000 per year, including hospitalisation, major surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and follow-up care. One of the key advantages is that pre-existing diseases are covered from day one, and in emergency situations, treatment must begin immediately without delay.
To ensure that the benefit reaches the intended beneficiaries, the scheme is mainly available to low-income families with a valid ration card who meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. Enrollment is completed through designated centres with biometric verification, ensuring transparency and accuracy in beneficiary identification.
At the national level, the Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana also provides large-scale health insurance coverage, offering a similar model of cashless treatment across India.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu has also introduced schemes like the Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme, which focuses on providing direct financial assistance to women and addresses a completely different aspect of social welfare.
To explore more such initiatives, you can check the Complete List of Tamil Nadu Government Schemes, where detailed information about various welfare programs is available.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Under the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), eligible families receive free and cashless medical treatment for serious health conditions at empanelled hospitals.
- Health coverage of up to Rs. 5,00,000 per family per year on a floater basis.
- Completely cashless treatment at both government and private empanelled hospitals.
- Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one without any waiting period.
- More than 1000 medical procedures, including major surgeries, are included.
- Coverage includes hospitalisation, diagnostics, and follow-up treatments.
- Emergency cases are treated immediately without waiting for prior approval.
- No need to pay at the hospital, the treatment cost is directly settled by the government.
- The benefit can be availed across Tamil Nadu, not restricted to the home district.
Diseases and Treatments Covered under CMCHIS
The scheme includes coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and procedures, ensuring that beneficiaries receive treatment for serious and life-threatening diseases.
- More than 1000+ medical procedures are covered under the scheme.
- Includes major treatments such as cardiac surgeries, cancer treatment, and neurological procedures.
- Orthopaedic and trauma-related surgeries are also included.
- Coverage includes diagnostic tests like MRI, CT scan, and other investigations.
- Follow-up treatments and post-hospitalisation care are included.
- Pediatric treatments and surgeries for children are also covered.
What is NOT Covered under CMCHIS
While the scheme provides extensive coverage, certain treatments and services are not included.
- Outpatient (OPD) treatments without hospital admission.
- Treatments at non-empanelled hospitals.
- Procedures that are not listed in the approved treatment package.
- Cosmetic or non-essential medical procedures.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Families must meet the following conditions to become eligible under the Tamil Nadu Government’s Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS):
- The family should be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Annual family income must be below Rs. 1,20,000.
- The applicant’s name must be included in the Family Ration Card.
- A valid income certificate issued by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Revenue Authority is required.
- Aadhaar details of all family members must be available for enrollment.
However, certain categories are covered even without any income limit, as per government norms:
- Differently abled persons (PwD) and their family members.
- Sri Lankan refugees residing in Tamil Nadu.
- Orphan or rescued children from registered or unregistered institutions.
- Interstate migrant workers residing in Tamil Nadu for a specified period.
Important Conditions You Must Know
Applicants and beneficiaries should keep the following important conditions in mind while enrolling and using the scheme.
- The scheme covers only inpatient treatment where hospital admission is required.
- Benefits can be availed only at empanelled hospitals under CMCHIS.
- Biometric verification is mandatory during enrollment.
- The total coverage limit of Rs. 5,00,000 is shared by all family members.
- Pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day of enrollment.
- Emergency cases must be treated immediately by hospitals without delay.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants must carry and submit the following documents at the time of enrollment under the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) of the Tamil Nadu Government :
- Family Ration Card (mandatory for identification and family details).
- Income Certificate issued by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or the Revenue Authority.
- Aadhaar Card of all family members to be enrolled.
- Self-declaration by the head of the family confirming eligibility.
- Passport-sized photographs of each family member.
For special categories, additional documents may be required:
- Sri Lankan refugees: Valid refugee or identity proof issued by a competent authority.
- Differently abled persons: Disability ID card issued by the government.
- Migrant workers: Valid migration or residence proof (if applicable).
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applicants can enrol under the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) through both online and offline processes. However, final enrollment requires biometric verification at designated centres.
Online Application/ Pre-Enrollment Process
The Tamil Nadu Government provides an online facility where applicants can fill in their details before visiting the enrollment centre.
Step 1: Visit the official portal: https://www.cmchistn.com
Step 2: Fill in the online enrollment/ application form with family details, Aadhaar information, and ration card details.
Step 3: Submit the application and note the reference details for further processing.
Step 4: Visit the nearest CMCHIS enrollment centre with original documents to complete verification.
Offline Enrollment Process
Applicants can also directly visit the enrollment centre without prior online application.
Step 1: Obtain an income certificate from the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Revenue Authority.
Step 2: Visit the nearest CMCHIS enrollment centre located at government hospitals or district offices.
Step 3: Submit required documents such as a ration card, an Aadhaar card, an income certificate, and photographs.
Step 4: Biometric details, including fingerprint, photograph, and eye scan, are captured for verification.
Step 5: After successful verification, the enrollment is completed.
Step 6: After that, the beneficiary receives a smart card (e-card), which can be used to avail a cashless treatment.
Important Note
Even if the application is submitted online, visiting the enrollment centre for biometric verification is mandatory to complete the registration process.
How to Avail Cashless Treatment under CMCHIS
Once enrolled, beneficiaries can easily avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals by following these steps.
Step 1: Visit any empanelled government or private hospital under CMCHIS.
Step 2: Show your CMCHIS smart card. If the card is not available, an Aadhaar or a ration card can also be used for verification.
Step 3: The hospital verifies your eligibility through the official system.
Step 4: After verification, the hospital sends a request for approval to the insurance authority.
Step 5: Treatment is provided completely cashless without any payment from the beneficiary.
Step 6: In emergency cases, hospitals start treatment immediately and complete approval within 24 hours.
Important Links Available
- CMCHIS Official Portal.
- Check CMCHIS Member Details/ Enrollment Status.
- View Empanelled Hospitals List in CMCHIS.
- CMCHIS Scheme Details (NIC Source).
- Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP).
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
If beneficiaries face any issue related to enrollment, eligibility, or treatment under the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), they can contact the official support channels given below:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 425 3993 (24×7 support available)
- CMCHIS Project Office: No. 226, Om Sakthi Towers, Kilpauk Garden Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010
- Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP): 3rd Floor, DMS Annex New Building, 259 Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600006
- Additional Contact Numbers: 044-24345992, 044-24335993
- District Support: Beneficiaries can visit the District Enrollment Centre or the government hospital in their area for assistance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the CMCHIS scheme in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. CMCHIS is a government health insurance scheme that provides free and cashless treatment up to Rs. 5,00,000 per year for eligible families in Tamil Nadu.
Q. How much coverage is provided under CMCHIS?
Ans. The scheme offers a maximum coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year on a floater basis.
Q. Who is eligible for CMCHIS?
Ans. Families residing in Tamil Nadu with an annual income below Rs. 1,20,000 and having a valid ration card are generally eligible.
Q. Is CMCHIS completely cashless?
Ans. Yes, treatment is completely cashless at empanelled hospitals, and the government directly pays the hospital.
Q. Can I apply for CMCHIS online?
Ans. Applicants can fill out the application form online, but final enrollment requires visiting the enrollment centre for document verification and the biometric process.
Q. What documents are required for CMCHIS?
Ans. Ration card, Aadhaar card, income certificate, self-declaration, and photographs are required for enrollment.
Q. Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Ans. Yes, pre-existing diseases are covered from day one without any waiting period.
Q. Can I take treatment in any hospital?
Ans. Treatment can be taken only in empanelled government and private hospitals listed under CMCHIS.
Q. What if I don’t have the CMCHIS card?
Ans. You can still avail treatment using your ration card or Aadhaar number for verification at the hospital.
Q. Does CMCHIS cover OPD treatment?
Ans. No, the scheme covers only inpatient treatment where hospital admission is required.
Q. Is there any fee to apply for CMCHIS?
Ans. No, enrollment under CMCHIS is completely free of cost.
Q. Can treatment be taken outside my district?
Ans. Yes, beneficiaries can avail treatment at any empanelled hospital across Tamil Nadu.
Q. Does CMCHIS coverage combine with Ayushman Bharat PMJAY to give Rs. 10 lakh coverage?
Ans. No. CMCHIS is implemented in convergence with PM-JAY at the backend for claim cost sharing between the Centre and State Government. However, the total annual coverage per family remains Rs. 5,00,000/- and does not double to Rs. 10 lakh for beneficiaries.
Q. Up to what age are children covered under CMCHIS?
Ans. Children of the eligible member are covered under CMCHIS up to 25 years of age, or until they get employed or married, whichever comes first.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.