Cashless access at Star Health may end from Sept 22

THE ASSOCIATION OF Health-care Providers — India (AHPI) on Friday warned that it would suspend cashless services for policyholders of Star Health Insurance, the country's largest standalone health insurer, from September 22 unless the company addresses concerns raised by its member hospitals.

- NARAYANAN V

The hospital body said it had issued a formal communication to Star Health outlining persistent issues, including refusal to revise tariffs despite rising healthcare costs, pressure to further cut already outdated tariffs, arbitrary withdrawal of cashless services, unjustified deductions from hospital bills, and claim rejections even after final approvals.

AHPI, which represents over 15,000 hospitals and healthcare institutions, including large chains such as Max Healthcare and Medanta, said these issues could compromise patient safety and the quality of care at member hospitals.