The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna and National Rural Health Mission have the potential to transform the health and financial security of poor households. The experience of VimoSEWA indicates that health insurance must be firmly linked to an effective public health system. A high percentage of claims for preventable illness, unnecessary expenditure on medicines, increasing hysterectomies and inequitable claims patterns are four trends that are likely to be seen in the implementation of RSBY. To ensure that health insurance plays its intended role, appropriate investment in prevention, particularly in water and sanitation, as also, community involvement and a strengthened public sector are essential.
