ECHS explains: everything you need to know ECHS

ECHS explains: everything you need to know ECHS

ECHS stands for Ex-Servicemember Contributed Health System. This is a health insurance scheme for veterans of the Indian Armed Forces and their dependents. This program was launched  by the Ministry of Defense in his 2003 year. 

The mission of ECHS is to provide quality health care to veterans and their families for all known medical conditions. The program is funded by the Government of India and operated through  existing infrastructure in the military and civilian hospitals.  The history of contributory health care for ex-servicemen dates back to 2002.

 At the time, the government approved this system due to the need to establish a comprehensive health care system for military pensioners. The system began operating in his 2003 year and has undergone several changes and improvements over the years. 

The scheme offers membership  to all ex-servicemen (ESMs) receiving pensions from the Defense Accounts Manager, including those receiving disability/family pensions and their dependents. As of April 1, 2003, membership is mandatory for all retirees and voluntary for those who have previously retired. Over time, the scope of  membership in contributory health schemes for ex-servicemen has expanded to include pensioners from different groups, such as: B. Military Nursing Service (MNS),  NCC permanent personnel, Defense Security Forces (DSC), and Territorial Army (TA). , Uniformed Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Nepal  Gorkha (NDG), Special Frontier Force (SFF), Eligible Army Postal Service (APS) Pensioner, Assam Rifles Pensioner, World War II (WW)  Veterans, Emergency Commission Officers (ECO), Short Service Commission Officers (SSCO) and Early Retirees. 

Services provided by contributory health schemes for ex-servicemen include outpatient and inpatient treatment, laboratory and diagnostic tests, medicines and consumables, dental treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, as well as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy). , Unani, Siddha, Sowa). Rigpa and homeopathy) treatment. The system provides emergency treatment in any hospital, provided that it is reimbursed according to the health regulations for contributions to ex-servicemen. 

 FAQ 

ECHS Below are  frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about contributory health plans for former military personnel. 

Q: What is the official name of ECHS? 

A: The official name of ECHS  is Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. 

Q: What is ECHS?  

A: The Ex-Serviceman Contributed Health Scheme is a social welfare system established in 2003 by the Department of Defense's Ex-Servicemen Welfare Service. We provide medical care to ex-combatants, pensioners and their families through a network of general, service, state and  private hospitals. 

Q: Who is eligible for  Contributory Health Care for Ex-Servicemen?

 A: All ex-servicemen receiving a defense pension or family pension  and  eligible dependents such as spouses, parents, children, and unmarried siblings are eligible for membership in ECHS. 

Q: How do I apply for health membership in the Ex-Servicemember Contributed Health Plan? 

A: Ex-servicemen can apply for membership in the Ex-Servicemember Contributed Health Plan by completing the online application form  on the ECHS website. The completed form must be submitted to the nearest Station Headquarters (Stn HQ) along with the required documents and donations. Please visit the ECHS website for more information on the fee structure and required documents. 

Q: What are the benefits of ECHS membership?

 A: Contributing ex-military health members  enjoy a variety of benefits including outpatient and inpatient care, laboratory tests, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, dental care, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and AYUSH treatment. You can receive emergency treatment at any hospital and will be reimbursed according to  ECHS regulations. 

Q: How do I access ECHS services? 

A: To avail paid ex-servicemen health services, a member must visit the nearest her ECHS General Hospital with her ECHS smart card and identification card. General clinics provide necessary consultations, tests, medications, and referrals. Members can also directly visit service hospitals  within the general hospital's jurisdiction. For treatment in private hospitals, you will need an ECHS smart card and identification card in addition to a referral letter from an ECHS polyclinic or ECHS service hospital. Authorized hospitals will provide cashless treatment as per approved rates and procedures. 

Q: How much does ECHS donate? 

A: Contributions for members of the Veterans Contributed Health Plan vary depending on the rank of the veteran and the type of membership (single or lifetime). The fees range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,20,000. The contribution allows him to receive lifelong medical benefits under the ECHS system with a one-time payment. Prices are adjusted from time to time by the Government of India based on  medical costs and inflation. One-time contribution claim:-

Ser	Rank	One-time Contribution	Ward Entitlement
(a)	Recruit to Hav’s & equivalent in Navy & AF	Rs 30,000/-	General
(b)	Nb Sub/Sub/Sub Maj or equivalent in Navy & AF	Rs 67,000/-	Semi Private
(c)	All Offrs & equivalent in Navy & AF	Rs 1,20,000/-	Private

 Q: How does ECHS registration work? 

A: To register with ECHS, please visit the official website and find the registration section in the top right corner. Enter your registered username and password and click  the "Login" button to access your account dashboard. If you are having trouble logging in, please use the options provided  on the website to reset your password or recover your username. For more information and  to visit the ECHS website, please visit https://echs.sourceinfosys.com/. To ensure the security of your ECHS account, always log out, especially when using a shared or public computer. 

Q: What is an ECHS card? 

A: The ECHS card is a smart card that allows ex-servicemen and their dependents to access medical benefits under the Ex-Servicemembers Contributed Health Care System. ECHS-ESM corner Images are for illustrative purposes only 

Q: How can I check the status of my ECHS card? 

A: To check the status of your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card, please follow the steps given below.

• Visit the official ECHS website and click on the “Online Application” or “ECHS Card Status” section.
• Enter your service number, card number, and captcha code in the fields provided and click on the “Submit” button.
• You will see your ECHS card status on the screen. You will also receive SMS notifications on your registered mobile number regarding your card generation and dispatch.
• you can also check your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card status on the ECHS mobile app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store and enter your registered mobile number or ECHS application number to view your card status

Q: How To check ECHS claim status?

A:  How to Check ECHS Claim Status, Step-by-Step Guide:

Option I: Using the Bill Processing Agency for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

• Visit the Website: Open your web browser and go to the website of the Bill Processing Agency or BPA for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme at https://www.echsbpa.utiitsl.com/ECHS/BeneficiaryStatus.jsp
• Enter Details:   Fill in the required information:
  • Your service number
  • Fill criteria Either Card ID or Claim ID
  • ECHS card number/ Claim No
  • Captcha code (as displayed)
  • Click  Submit
•  After you have filled the above  details, click on submit button. Allow the system a moment to process your request.
• View Claim Status:
• The system will display your ECHS claim status, under useful link. providing you with the information you’re looking for. Option II: Using the ECHS Official Website : Visit Official Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme website and click on Important Links, select  claim status and follow the above mentioned steps again.

Image for illustrative purpose only