CMCHIS Tamil Nadu that gives eligible families cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals. Families whose annual income is below Rs 1,20,000 and whose names appear on the family card can enrol. Coverage is stated as up to Rs 25 lakh per family per year, and pre-existing conditions are included without a waiting period.
What is CMCHIS?
CMCHIS is a state-run health protection scheme launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Its purpose is simple: to make sure a medical emergency does not push a low-income family into debt. Instead of paying hospital bills upfront, enrolled families receive treatment, and the government settles the cost directly with the hospital.
The scheme has been strengthened over time. The annual cover per family has been raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, which makes high-cost treatments such as cardiac surgery, cancer care and transplants far more reachable for ordinary households.
Who is Eligible for CMCHIS?
You can enrol if you meet these conditions:
- You are a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Your name appears on your family card.
- Your family’s annual income is below Rs 1,20,000.
Who counts as “family”? The scheme defines family as the eligible member, their legal spouse, children and dependent parents.
To prove eligibility, you need your family card, Aadhaar card and an income certificate from the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or revenue authorities. A self-declaration from the head of the family may also be required.
What Does CMCHIS Cover?
| Coverage area | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | Planned and emergency admissions |
| Surgery | Major procedures such as cardiac and cancer surgery, and organ transplants |
| Critical illness | Cancer, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease |
| Maternity | Delivery and newborn care |
| Diagnostics | Tests and procedures for early detection |
| Post-hospital care | Follow-up consultations, tests and medicines after discharge |
| Transport | Ambulance and travel costs to the hospital |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered, with no waiting period |
Always confirm with the hospital’s CMCHIS desk whether your specific procedure is on the approved package list before admission.
Documents Required for CMCHIS Enrolment
Identity and address proof
- Aadhaar card (for every family member)
- Family or ration card
- Voter ID or passport, if available
- Electricity bill or property tax receipt
Income proof
- Income certificate issued by the VAO
- BPL card, where applicable
- Employment certificate, if asked
How to Register for CMCHIS Online
- Open the official CMCHIS portal. Use only the government website to avoid fake agents and look-alike sites.
- Enter personal details. Add your name, address, mobile number and the family members to be covered.
- Upload documents. Attach identity, address and income proofs as the guidelines ask.
- Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation and your CMCHIS member ID.
You can also enrol in person at designated enrolment centres with the same documents.
What is the CMCHIS Member ID?
The CMCHIS member ID is a unique number issued to each enrolled beneficiary. You must show it at any empanelled hospital to receive cashless treatment. It also lets you check your coverage status on the portal.
How to Download the CMCHIS Card Online
- Log in to the CMCHIS portal with your username and password.
- Go to your dashboard and select the card download option.
- Download the PDF, then save it on your phone or print a copy.
Carry the card, or at least the member ID, whenever you visit a hospital.
Benefits of CMCHIS
- Financial protection: Large medical bills no longer have to mean selling assets or borrowing money.
- Access to quality care: Rural and urban families can reach good hospitals without upfront payment.
- Early diagnosis: Covered diagnostic tests help detect illness sooner, when treatment is usually cheaper and more effective.
- Broad cover: From routine care to major surgery, one scheme handles a wide range of needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unofficial websites or paying agents to “process” your application.
- Submitting an outdated income certificate.
- Missing a family member’s Aadhaar details in the application.
- Going to a hospital without checking that it is empanelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMCHIS available to all Tamil Nadu residents?
No. It is meant for families who meet the eligibility conditions, mainly the income limit of Rs 1,20,000 per year and having your name on the family card.
Can I register for CMCHIS online?
Yes. You can apply through the official portal by entering your details and uploading documents, or visit an enrolment centre.
How do I check my CMCHIS status?
Log in to the official portal with your member ID to see your current coverage and eligibility.
How much is the annual coverage?
The scheme states coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per family per year.
Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes, and there is no waiting period.
How do I add a new family member?
Contact your nearest enrolment centre or use the portal’s update option with the required documents, such as Aadhaar and a family card showing the updated member.