Healthcare affordability continues to be a significant concern for a large section of the Indian population. Medical expenses, especially consultation fees and treatment costs, often create financial pressure on households. Although health insurance schemes exist, they involve lengthy procedures, claim documentation, and reimbursement delays. This research paper examines the concept of a Family Financial Health Card (FFHC), a proposed system where medical charges are determined based on the financial capacity of a family. The study is based on primary data collected from the general public through a structured questionnaire. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents face financial difficulty during medical treatment and perceive consultation fees as expensive. The study concludes that a simplified, direct-payment healthcare model without claim or reimbursement procedures can help improve access to healthcare services and reduce financial stress.
Nadar et al. (2026) studied this question.