BEGINNING January 1, the government will offer a free insurance scheme worth RM2 billion to the B40 group, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.

The B40 National Protection Scheme will cover insurance and takaful protection for critical illnesses free of charge to those in the Bottom 40 low-income group, he said in a statement.

The scheme provides health protection for qualified recipients against 36 critical illnesses, with payments of up to RM8,000.

It also covers income replacement of RM50 per day for up to 14 days, or RM700 a year for hospitalisation.

The scheme is in line with the federal government’s aim  to increase access to health services for vulnerable groups. 

Lim said the scheme was first announced during the tabling of the 2019 Budget.

“Coverage under the scheme commences January 1, and the scheme’s registration and customer support services will be in operation from 1 March. 

“Registration can be made electronically over the internet without the use of paper forms and no medical examination is required for qualification checks,” he said.

Lim added that all qualified recipients under the scheme will be notified through SMS messages.

More information on the mechanism and implementation of the scheme will be disclosed when it is officially launched next year.

“This scheme is a significant step taken by the Pakatan Harapan government to establish a comprehensive social safety net from the aspect of inclusive health insurance and takaful coverage for low-income groups for free.

“This scheme, the first of its kind in Malaysia, is guided by the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto to improve access to much-needed health services, lighten the cost of living burden, and improve the rakyat’s well-being,” he said. – December 28, 2018.