What is the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme?

Karnataka's Free Medical Scheme: Features, Coverage, and How to Apply

The Karnataka Free Medical Scheme, also referred to as the Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme, is a state-level healthcare scheme that aims to provide health coverage for the entire population of Karnataka. With the mission of making quality medical care accessible and affordable, the scheme provides healthcare benefits through primary, specified secondary, and tertiary care.

However, only eligible people who meet the criteria for this scheme will be able to access various health services and programs that enhance public health and minimize the economic burden of healthcare expenditures. Read ahead to learn about the eligibility criteria and the benefits of this medical scheme.

Who is Eligible for the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme?

Below are the categories of patients who qualify to receive benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme:

1. Eligible Patient

Any individual residing in the state of Karnataka who falls under the category of an ‘Eligible Household’ as outlined in the National Food Security Act, 2013.

2. General Patient

Any resident of Karnataka who either does not qualify as an ‘Eligible Household’ under the National Food Security Act, 2013 or is unable to present a valid eligibility card. Such patients will receive treatment on a co-payment basis.

What are the Key Features of the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme?

The Karnataka Free Medical Scheme has now merged with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which functions under the joint name Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka. This integrated scheme is carried out using an assurance model by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, which serves as the State Health Agency (SHA).

Listed below are its main features:

● Cashless Healthcare Access

Consistent with State Health Policy 2017 and Vision Document 2025, this scheme provides underprivileged and vulnerable sections with free access to primary, secondary, and tertiary health care services. The coordination with Ayushman Bharat increases overall treatment coverage.

● Family Floater Cover

Eligible beneficiaries are entitled to a family floater health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakhs per annum. This comprehensive cover includes a wide range of services, such as secondary care, emergency procedures, and complex tertiary treatments.

At Star Health, we also provide financial health coverage for families under our Super Surplus Insurance Policy on a floater basis with up to 7 family-size options. We offer hassle-free claim settlements with less turnaround time.

● Affordable Health Card

Residents can obtain the Ayushman Karnataka card by paying a small fee of ₹10. This card acts as proof of eligibility and grants access to all the benefits available under the scheme.

What are the Benefits of the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme?

The Karnataka Free Medical Scheme offers several advantages in line with the State Health Policy and development goals, which are:

● Expanded Health Coverage

By collaborating with Ayushman Bharat, the scheme now covers up to ₹5 lakhs per year. This increased limit enables beneficiaries to undergo sophisticated treatments and specialist facilities without financial difficulties.

● Cashless Medical Services

Patients do not need to worry about paying at the time of treatment. The scheme provides cashless services, particularly enabling the economically weaker sections in cases of hospitalization or medical emergency.

● Better Access to Healthcare

Through its extensive network of empanelled hospitals and healthcare facilities, ranging from primary health centres to secondary hospitals and tertiary care facilities, beneficiaries can easily access medical attention no matter where they are located.

● Extensive List of Medical Services

The scheme covers an entire list of medical services, from general check-ups to specialized treatments and emergency procedures. This means that individuals gain access to relevant medical attention for a wide range of ailments.

● Financial Security

The scheme shields families from huge medical bills by insuring up to ₹5 lakhs per year. This protection provides a safety net against the cost of illness that keeps families out of poverty.

● Low-Cost Access to Health Cards

This scheme card is available for ₹10, which makes it affordable to most residents. If the original card is lost, an exact duplicate can be provided for a small amount of ₹20, ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare facilities at all times.

How to Access the Karnataka Free Medical Scheme?

To make use of this scheme, you need to follow these steps:

● Step 1: Visit the nearest Public Health Institution (PHI) with your Aadhaar Card and Food Card.

● Step 2: Get yourself registered under the scheme and obtain your AB-ArK health card.

● Step 3: Undergo a medical diagnosis at the same PHI.

● Step 4: If the PHI has the necessary facilities and expertise to treat your conditi