“Ayushman Card: Your Passport to Free Cancer Treatment in Karnataka”

 



What Is the Ayushman Health Card (in Karnataka)

In Karnataka, the central Ayushman Bharat scheme is implemented through a state-specific program called Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). 

Under this, eligible individuals receive a health card (sometimes referred to as the “Ayushman card” or “AB-ArK card”), which entitles them to cashless hospitalization and treatment in empanelled hospitals.


This includes a wide range of treatments — the scheme supports around 1,650 procedures, including serious illnesses like cancer. 

Why It Matters for Cancer Patients in Karnataka

  • Coverage Limits: Under AB-ArK, the insurance cover is up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

  • Cancer Care Included: Oncology procedures like chemotherapy, surgery, radiation are part of the approved treatments. In fact, oncology approvals under AB-ArK have risen significantly in recent years. 

  • Chemotherapy Access: New day-care chemo units are being established in district hospitals under this scheme, which improves access for patients from rural or remote areas. 

How to Get the Ayushman / Arogya Karnataka Health Card

  1. Check Eligibility

    • Eligibility for AB-ArK is based on criteria defined under the National Food Security Act. 

    • At the time of enrollment, Aadhaar authentication is used, including biometric verification. 

    • You can also use the “Am I Eligible” tool on the PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) official website. 

  2. Visit Enrollment Centers

    • In Karnataka, you can enroll at Karnataka One centres or Bangalore One centres. 

    • Alternatively, go to government hospitals or primary health centres. 

    • At the center, you’ll need to provide documents such as Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, and possibly income certificate. 

    • A physical card is made (plastic ~ ₹ 35, or paper ~ ₹ 10). 

  3. Enrollment Process

    • Your biometric data (fingerprint) is taken and verified against the Aadhaar database. 

    • If biometric fails, the system allows for OTP-based verification or QR code scanning. 

    • Once verified, a card (AB-ArKid) is generated immediately. 

    • On admission to hospital later, this card is used for identity check and availing cashless benefits.

  4. Help at Hospital

    • In empanelled hospitals, there is usually an “Ayushman Mitra” or help desk to assist patients with PM-JAY procedures and paperwork. 

    • Biometric authentication is often repeated during admission and discharge to prevent misuse. 

How to Use the Card for Cancer Treatment

If you or a family member has cancer, here is how you can use the AB-ArK card to access treatment:

  1. Diagnosis / Hospitalization

    • Go to a PM-JAY-empanelled hospital (government or private) that provides oncology services.

    • At the hospital, inform them that you have an Ayushman (AB-ArK) card at the time of admission. The Ayushman Mitra will help initiate the process.

  2. Pre-Authorization

    • For costly procedures (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery), hospitals apply for pre-authorization under AB-ArK.

    • Once approved, these treatments are covered under the scheme (subject to package limits).

  3. Cashless Treatment

    • With pre-authorization, the patient need not pay upfront for covered treatments.

    • The hospital bills Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (the implementing authority in Karnataka) directly.

  4. Post-Treatment

    • After treatment, follow-up visits and diagnostics (if part of the authorized care) may also be covered, depending on the package.

    • For repeated therapies (like multiple cycles of chemo), the process may repeat with fresh pre-authorizations.

Important Things to Know & Tips

  • Portability: AB-ArK is part of Ayushman Bharat’s national network, but always check if a particular hospital is empanelled under Karnataka’s AB-ArK scheme. 

  • Scheme Limits: The ₹5 lakh cover is per family per year, not per person. 

  • Yeshasvini Scheme: If you’re a Yeshasvini health insurance beneficiary, note that you cannot claim under AB-ArK for the same treatment.

  • Coverage Growth: Oncology procedure approvals under AB-ArK have increased heavily, meaning better access now than before.

Challenges & Cautions

While the scheme is very beneficial, there are some challenges:

  • Some patients have reported difficulty in accessing certain private hospitals or treatments.

  • Biometric requirement can be a barrier for some (though OTP fallback exists).

  • Not all cancer hospitals may be empanelled under AB-ArK, so always check before choosing a hospital.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) Health Card is a powerful tool to make serious health care — including cancer treatment — more accessible and affordable for eligible families in Karnataka. By following the correct enrollment process and using the scheme wisely, patients can significantly reduce the financial burden of cancer care. Dr M G Giriyappagoudar a senior radiation and clinical oncologist, constant supporter of Ayushman Bharat card holders at Anvita Onco Care clinic provides services for Ayushman Bharat Card holders for cashless treatment facilities at various hospitals and also all three treatments like Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy and Surgical cancer treatment are available here. 

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