Chennai, July 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Saturday extended the free health insurance scheme to employees and pensioners of state government undertakings, freedom fighters and village munsifs (civil judges).

Tying up with Star Health and Allied Insurance Ltd, the state government last July launched the insurance scheme for families earning not more than Rs.72,000 per annum covering 51 critical ailments for treatment in private hospitals.

According to the scheme, a family of four is covered for a maximum of Rs.100,000 for four years and the government pays the premium to Star Health.

Health Minister M.R.K. Paneerselvam said in a statement here Saturday that pensioners, employees of state government undertakings and village munsifs with an annual income of less than Rs.72,000 can be enrolled under the health insurance scheme.

Eligible people can register themselves at the special kiosks set up by Star Health and obtain the insurance identity cards.

They should submit income certificates, identity cards issued by the employers, ration cards and get photographed along with their family members at the kiosks.

He said till date 159,118 people have availed the policy benefit and Star Health has settled claims worth Rs.429.84 crore.