🩺 Cancer Treatment Benefits in Karnataka (ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದಿಂದ ದೊರೆಯುವ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳು)

 

Quick summary (what helps most)

  • The main routes to cashless cancer care in private hospitals in Karnataka are Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK / PM-JAY) administered by Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), and some state schemes/relief funds (Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Vajpayee Arogyasri / Rajiv-type schemes). Large private hospitals are regularly empanelled under AB-ArK/PM-JAY and provide cancer packages (surgery, chemo, radiation, meds) on a cashless basis for eligible beneficiaries. National Health Authority+1

The main schemes you should know

  1. Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK / PM-JAY)

    • Nationwide scheme (PM-JAY) delivered in Karnataka as Arogya Karnataka; covers many oncology packages (surgery, chemo, radiation, inpatient care) with portability to empanelled hospitals across India. Check package list for oncology procedures and reimbursement rates. National Health Authority+1

  2. Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) / Arogya Karnataka

    • The state implementing body (SAST) publishes empanelled hospital lists, benefit packages and runs toll-free helplines for grievance/assistance. Many tertiary cancer packages are available under SAST. sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

  3. Vajpayee Arogyasri / other state-sponsored schemes

    • State schemes for BPL families (may cover major procedures including cancer up to specified limits). Names/entitlements vary by eligibility — check district office or SAST/health department. Wikipedia+1

  4. Chief Minister’s Medical Relief Fund (KCMMRF) and Health Minister’s Cancer Patients Fund (HMCPF / RAN)

    • One-time/grant reliefs for patients who are indigent or have very large bills; apply through the official CMRF portal or hospital social work desk (documents needed: ID, BPL/ration proof, hospital bills and discharge summary). These are discretionary and usually require an application. cmrf.karnataka.gov.in+1

Note: Yeshasvini and other cooperative schemes exist and rules about double-claims/overlap with AB-ArK vary — check current SAST guidance before claiming under two schemes. The Times of India

How to find an empanelled private hospital (fast)

  1. Use the PM-JAY hospital search (national portal) to find empanelled hospitals in your city/district. Enter “Karnataka” + district + “oncology” or “hospital search”. PMJAY Hospitals+1

  2. Use the SAST / Arogya Karnataka website — they publish the list of private hospitals empanelled for AB-ArK and the oncology package PDFs. sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

  3. Ask at your local district health office or nearest medical college / regional cancer centre — they often have updated lists and referral guidance. The Times of India

Step-by-step: how a patient actually gets cashless treatment at an empanelled private hospital

  1. Check eligibility

    • Confirm you are an eligible beneficiary for AB-ArK/PM-JAY (via PM-JAY portal, CSC centre, or helpline 14555). If not covered, ask the hospital social worker about state relief / CMRF / HMCPF / hospital charity. National Health Authority+1

  2. Take documents with you

    • Aadhaar, ration/BPL card (if applicable), Ayushman card or eligibility printout, recent medical reports, hospital referral or OP/estimation letter, and ID & address proof. For CMRF/HMCPF also keep bills/estimates. cmrf.karnataka.gov.in+1

  3. Go to an empanelled hospital (or call them first)

    • At admission, tell them you want treatment under AB-ArK/PM-JAY (or the state scheme). The hospital will verify eligibility (biometric/Aadhaar) and open a pre-authorization request for the oncology package required. The hospital’s helpdesk / Arogya Mitra assists. National Health Authority+1

  4. Pre-authorization / approval

    • Hospital submits pre-auth (with package code). Once authorized, treatment is cashless for the covered items in that package. If additional/novel drugs or procedures are required beyond package, discuss payment options upfront (hospital social work, charity, instalments). sast.karnataka.gov.in

  5. Keep copies & follow up

    • Keep admission records, package code, discharge summary and all bills. If claim is denied or partial, use SAST / PM-JAY helpline for grievance. sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

Documents typically required

  • Aadhaar card (or other government ID), address proof

  • Ayushman beneficiary ID or eligibility printout (if available)

  • Hospital referral/doctor’s note, diagnostic reports, prescription/estimate

  • BPL / income certificate (for some state schemes)

  • Completed application forms for CMRF / state relief if applying. cmrf.karnataka.gov.in+1

Important helplines & contacts (use these immediately if stuck)

  • PM-JAY / Ayushman helpline: 14555 (National toll-free). National Health Authority

  • Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) Karnataka toll-free: 1800-425-8330 (and SAST office phone listed on their site). There is also a local Arogya Mitra help line noted on SAST pages. sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

  • For CMRF applications: use Karnataka CMRF portal / Seva Sindhu services (apply online or via hospital social work). cmrf.karnataka.gov.in+1

Tips that save money or delay

  • Get a written cost estimate and the package code before procedures. If a drug or targeted therapy is not in package, ask the hospital for alternatives, patient-assistance programs from pharma, or charitable support.

  • Talk to the hospital social worker — they can help submit CMRF / HMCPF forms, arrange instalments, or identify local NGOs/charities.

  • If you are refused: register a grievance immediately with SAST or call 14555 for PM-JAY and ask for escalation. Keep all documents. sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

Where private-hospital rules vary (what to check for each hospital)

  • Which oncology packages they offer under AB-ArK / PM-JAY (complex treatments may require government hospital/tertiary center).

  • Whether the hospital accepts pre-authorization for chemo, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or only surgery/ICU packages. (SAST package PDF lists oncology packages and rates.) sast.karnataka.gov.in+1

If you are not eligible for AB-ArK / PM-JAY

  • Apply to KCMMRF via Sevasindhu or hospital social worker; apply to HMCPF (RAN) at regional cancer centres if eligible; seek hospital charity / instalment plans; approach local NGOs and crowdfunding platforms if urgent. cmrf.karnataka.gov.in+1

Short checklist you can print & carry

  1. Find an empanelled hospital near you (PM-JAY / SAST search). PMJAY Hospitals+1

  2. Carry Aadhaar, Ayushman eligibility printout, medical reports. Ayushman Card Hospital List

  3. Ask hospital to verify eligibility and start pre-authorization before admission. National Health Authority

  4. Save admission/discharge papers, package code, all bills. sast.karnataka.gov.in

  5. Helpline if anything goes wrong: 14555 (PM-JAY) or 1800-425-8330 (SAST). National Health Authority+1

I can do more (if you want)

  • Prepare a one-page printable leaflet in Kannada + English with the checklist and helplines for patients/families.

  • Look up the nearest empanelled hospital list for your district (I can fetch the specific PDF/list if you tell me the district).
    Tell me which you prefer and I’ll make it ready to print.

Sources used (key references)


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