Awareness and Utilization of Government Health Insurance Schemes among Patients Attending a Primary Health Centre in Tenali Mandal, Andhra Pradesh

Background Government health insurance schemes are vital for improving healthcare access and reducing out-of-pocket expenditure, particularly socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Assessing awareness and utilization among patients attending Primary Health Centers (PHCs) is essential to identify existing gaps and to strengthen the implementation of these schemes. Objectives To assess the level of awareness and utilization of government health insurance schemes among patients attending a Primary Health Centre. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Tenali Mandal, Andhra Pradesh, over a period of three months from November 2025 to January 2026. The study population comprised adult patients aged 18 years and above who attended the PHC during the study period. A total of 200 participants were included in the study using a convenience sampling technique. Patients aged 18 years and above who were willing to participate and provide informed consent were included in the study. Severely ill patients and those unwilling to participate were excluded. Results Out of 200 participants, 128 (64%) were aware of at least one government health insurance scheme. Among those aware, 72 (56.3%) were enrolled, while only 48 (37.5%) had utilized the scheme benefits. Awareness was significantly associated with education level and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Major barriers to utilization included lack of knowledge regarding procedures, perceived complexity of enrolment, and inadequate documentation. Conclusion Although awareness of government health insurance schemes was moderate, actual utilization was relatively low. Strengthening awareness activities at the PHC level and simplifying administrative procedures may improve utilization.