Today, many people cannot get the healthcare they need because it is too expensive. Millions cannot afford life-saving treatment. A NITI Aayog report says that 30% of the population does not have financial support for medical care.
Health insurance helps some people, but many poor families still cannot afford it. That's why government initiatives such as Kerala's Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) aim to change this by focusing on making healthcare affordable and accessible while addressing inequality in the system.
Keep reading to learn about the KASP scheme features, benefits, eligibility criteria, documents required, application process, and more.
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The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme (KASP) is a Kerala government initiative to help low-income families access affordable healthcare. It provides financial support for costly medical treatments, which helps make quality healthcare more accessible while reducing medical expenses.
| Scheme Name | Karunya Health Insurance |
| Launch Year | 2012 |
| Coverage | Medical expenses |
| Eligibility | Kerala residents |
| Health Conditions | All conditions covered |
| Main Objective | Financial safety |
| Aim | Affordable treatment |
| Age Limit | No age restrictions |
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The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi offers a variety of services that are specially designed to provide comprehensive health coverage for those facing critical illnesses. These are some of the main benefits offered by this health insurance scheme:
● Critical Illness Support
The scheme offers essential treatment for individuals suffering from severe diseases.
● Financial Aid
Enrolled individuals can receive up to 2 lakhs for treatment, with the amount increasing to 3 lakhs for more severe conditions.
● Expense Reimbursement
Beneficiaries are also eligible for reimbursement in case the treatment cost exceeds the original estimate.
● Family Benefits
The scheme mainly covers up to 5 family members, with each receiving a special card for accessing medical services.
● Wide Illness Coverage
It even offers coverage for a broad variety of critical illnesses, which mainly include heart diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, and more.
● Accessible Hospitals
The program now encompasses both government and private hospitals equipped with advanced technology, thereby increasing access to quality healthcare.
All of these facilities ensure financial as well as medical support for economically disadvantaged individuals during critical illnesses.
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Individuals must meet the following criteria to become eligible for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha scheme:
1. Applicants must reside in Kerala.
2. The scheme is available to individuals who fall below the poverty line (BPL).
3. Families earning less than ₹3 lakhs per year are eligible, regardless of whether they are classified as BPL or above the poverty line (APL).
4. Applicants are required to submit their income certificate, Aadhaar card, and any other necessary documents.
Here is the list of the essential documents that are required for the KASP scheme:
● Voter ID card/Aadhar card
● Passport-sized photograph
● Ration card
● Income Certificate – This helps to determine eligibility based on annual income. An individual must also ensure to keep all income-related documents handy.
● Address Proof – Beneficiaries should submit the original copy of their residential proof.
● BPL Card – Applicants must confirm that they are eligible as underprivileged individuals. If you have a BPL card, you need to submit it when applying online.
Step 1: Visit the official website: http://karunya.kerala.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on "How to Apply" and download the application form.
Step 3: Fill out the form with the required details and submit it along with the necessary documents.
Step 4: Track the application status for KASP insurance card check online using the "Application Tracking" feature.
Individuals can also check the name in the "List of Beneficiaries" on the homepage.
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Individuals should follow these steps to find a hospital that accepts the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme:
1. Visit the Official Website
The individual should go to the Kerala State Government's health insurance website or the provider's website.
2. Check the List of Network Hospitals
They must look for the list of empaneled hospitals that are usually found under sections like "Hospital List" or similar.
3. Contact Customer Service
If beneficiaries can't find the information online, they can simply reach out to customer service for a list of hospitals.
4. Visit Local Health Offices
They can even visit local health offices or the district health department to get details on covered hospitals.
5. Consult Insurance Agent
In case a person has an insurance agent, they can also help them locate the list of hospitals under the scheme.
Here are some easy steps to avail of hospitalization under KASP insurance:
The Karunya Health Insurance Scheme is an excellent example of a government initiative focused on providing affordable healthcare to everyone. It has positively impacted many lives in Kerala with its comprehensive coverage and financial support.
Hence, the KASP scheme makes a big step towards providing accessible and affordable healthcare for everyone. However, if you are not eligible for this scheme, you can still get quality healthcare at an affordable price by opting for Star Health's Super Star plan.
Coverage starts at just ₹13/day, with access to 21 optional covers, unlimited sum insured restorations, dental checkups, and more.
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