Pinarayi Vijayan demands Kerala government reverse NoRKA Care insurance premium hike
The Leader of the Opposition stated that the increased costs place an unbearable financial burden on expatriates and senior citizens.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday called on the Kerala government to address concerns regarding a sharp increase in premiums for the NoRKA Care insurance scheme, according to The Hindu.
Mr. Vijayan stated in a social media post that the premium for a family floater policy with ₹5 lakh coverage has risen from ₹13,411 to a range between ₹35,664 and ₹77,773.
He said the hike is an unbearable financial burden for senior citizens who have returned home and ordinary expatriates in the Gulf earning meagre wages. He added that the increase could jeopardise the entire scheme.
The Leader of the Opposition claimed the government is justifying the hike by stating insurance companies are unwilling to continue the previous agreement because of high claim values. He said the government is echoing the language of private insurance firms.
Mr. Vijayan noted that the previous government included a provision allowing those with existing medical conditions to enrol, which provided relief to low-income families. He alleged the government has refused to discuss the matter in the Legislative Assembly despite demands from expatriate organisations.
The Leader of the Opposition said the government should negotiate with companies to ensure quality service instead of surrendering to their interests and should consider revising the rates downward.