Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE): Composite Medical Health for Transgender Persons

DETAILS Launched on 12th February 2022, “Composite Medical Health for Transgender Persons” is a component of the “Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons” sub-scheme of the “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)” scheme. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide health Insurance coverage to all Transgender persons living in India to improve their health condition through proper treatment including sex re-assignment surgeries as well as medical support. The scheme provides health insurance in the form of Ayushman Bharat Plus, inclusive of gender reaffirmation surgery and comprehensive transition-related healthcare, covering hormone therapy and post-operation formalities, redeemable at all private and government healthcare facilities. BENEFITS Health insurance cover of ₹5,00,000/- (Five Lakh Rupees) per year. Coverage is provided in the form of Ayushman Bharat Plus health insurance. Coverage is inclusive of gender reaffirmation surgery within the health benefit package under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The comprehensive package covers all aspects of transition related healthcare for Transgender persons. Coverage specifically includes hormone therapy and Sex Re-assignment surgery inclusive of post operation formalities. Treatment for the beneficiary shall be cashless. The Government of India provides for 100% of the approved expenditure. ELIGIBILITY The applicant should be Transgender. The applicant should not be availing similar benefits from any other schemes of the Central Government or State Government.