Health coverage for the underprivileged is a priority in Kerala, and the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme (KASP) stands as a beacon of support. This scheme aims to provide health coverage worth INR 5 lakhs per family each year to over 42 lakh families in need—amounting to around 64 lakh individuals—that represent the lowest 40% of the population. KASP effectively integrates three existing healthcare programs: RSBY (a joint Central and State initiative with a 60:40 premium sharing model), the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (fully funded by the Kerala government), and the Senior Citizens Health Insurance Scheme which offers additional coverage for senior citizens within the RSBY and CHIS families. This article offers comprehensive insights into this vital health initiative.
The Kerala government has allocated an additional INR 300 crore for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme for the current financial year. This increased allocation brings the total funding for KASP to INR 978.54 crore. The initiative continues to aim for inclusive healthcare, striving to relieve families from the burden of medical expenses by offering substantial health insurance coverage.
Funding Allocation for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme
The Kerala government’s recent funding decision supports the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi by providing over INR 300 crore exclusively for this healthcare initiative. With this funding, KASP is positioned to extend its support to families struggling financially. This program targets over 41.99 lakh families that fall within the impoverished classification, translating to approximately 64 lakh beneficiaries who can benefit from the health insurance coverage.
Aims of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme
The primary aim of the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is to ensure affordable healthcare for low-income families across Kerala. Introduced in 2019, the initiative is designed to alleviate financial stress arising from health issues. Access to equitable healthcare is a crucial goal of the program, which also provides financial assistance for critical health conditions and diseases.
Essential Summary of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme
| Name of the Scheme | Karunya Arogya Surasha Padhathi Yojana |
|---|---|
| Initiated by | Government of Kerala |
| Target Beneficiaries | Residents of Kerala |
| Healthcare Benefits | Financial assistance for health care expenses |
| Year of Launch | 2025 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Official Website | https://sha.kerala.gov.in/karunya-arogya-suraksha-padhathi/ |
| Annual Health Coverage | INR 5 Lakhs per family |
| Total Beneficiaries | 64 Lakh |
Who Qualifies for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme?
To apply for this program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Permanent residents of Kerala.
- Families classified below the poverty line.
- Annual income should not exceed INR 3 lakh.
Financial Assistance Offered
Eligible applicants are entitled to receive health benefits of up to INR 5 lakh annually, ensuring significant coverage for medical expenses.
Documents Required for the Application
To apply for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme, the following documents are required:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Bank account details
- Proof of residence
- Mobile number
Key Features of the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi
The important features of this health scheme are:
- Cashless treatment at affiliated hospitals where KASP handles all expenses directly.
- Comprehensive coverage including major surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants.
- Financial aid for severe illnesses for policyholders.
- National portability of KASP benefits.
- Immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- No restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
- Support for pre and post-hospitalization costs, covering three days before and fifteen days after hospitalization.
How to Apply for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme Online
Follow these steps to apply for the scheme online:
Step 1: Visit the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi website.
Step 3: Enter the required information on the new page.
Step 4: Click the submit button to finalize your application.
Finding Empanelled Hospitals
To locate empanelled hospitals under the scheme, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Go to the official site to view the list of empanelled hospitals.
Step 3: The list of empanelled hospitals will then be displayed for your reference.
Contact Information
To get assistance regarding the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme, you can reach out at:
Phone No: 0471 4063121
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi scheme?
This is a welfare initiative introduced for the residents of Kerala, which provides healthcare benefits to eligible applicants.
Who can apply for the scheme?
The applicants must be permanent residents of Kerala, belonging to below-poverty-line families.
What are the advantages of this scheme?
Participants will receive significant financial assistance to help them cover their healthcare expenses.
Is online application possible for this scheme?
Yes, applicants can apply online through the official website of the KASP.
What types of medical services are covered?
KASP includes coverage for major surgeries, critical illnesses, and various medical treatments.
How is the application processed?
All applications are processed online through the dedicated website, allowing for simple submissions.