Karunya Health Scheme (KASP) Kerala – ₹5 Lakh Free Health Cover

What is Karunya Health Scheme?

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is Kerala's state health insurance scheme, integrated with the central Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. It provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled government and private hospitals. The scheme covers over 1,600 medical procedures including surgeries, diagnostics, and hospitalization.

Who is Eligible?

1. Must be a resident of Kerala
2. Must hold a valid ration card (priority and AAY categories)
3. Families identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database
4. All family members on the ration card are covered
5. No age limit — covers all ages

Additional Coverage

• Kerala has extended KASP coverage beyond PM-JAY beneficiaries to cover a larger population including some APL families
• Check eligibility at kasp.kerala.gov.in

Coverage Details

What is Covered?

• Heart surgeries (bypass, angioplasty, valve replacement)
• Cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
• Kidney diseases (transplant, dialysis)
• Neurosurgery and brain surgery
• Joint and knee replacement
• Eye surgeries
• Burns and trauma care
• Neonatal and paediatric surgeries
• And 1,600+ other procedures

Documents Required

• Ration Card (Kerala)
• Aadhaar Card of the patient
• KASP/AB-PMJAY Card (if already issued)
• Hospital Referral (for private hospital treatment)
• Previous Medical Records (if any)

How to Avail KASP Treatment

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check Eligibility: Visit kasp.kerala.gov.in and enter your ration card number
2. Visit Hospital: Go to any KASP-empanelled hospital (government or private)
3. KASP Help Desk: Visit the KASP help desk at the hospital with ration card and Aadhaar
4. Biometric Verification: Fingerprint authentication to confirm identity
5. Doctor Consultation: Doctor examines and recommends treatment
6. Pre-Authorization: Hospital sends request to KASP for approval
7. Treatment: Once approved, treatment is completely free
8. Discharge: Post-discharge medicines and follow-up covered for 15 days

Finding Empanelled Hospitals

1. Visit kasp.kerala.gov.in or sha.kerala.gov.in
2. Search "Hospital List" by district
3. Or call the KASP helpline for nearest empanelled hospital

How to Get the KASP Card

• Visit your local Akshaya Centre or KASP help desk at a government hospital
• Carry your ration card and Aadhaar
• Biometric verification will be done
• E-card is generated instantly

Processing Time

• Emergency Treatment: Immediate (no pre-authorization delay)
• Planned Treatment: Pre-authorization takes 1-3 days
• Card Generation: Instant at Akshaya centres

Important Tips

1. Carry Ration Card: Always keep your ration card accessible — it's the primary eligibility proof.
2. Emergencies First: For emergencies, hospitals must treat immediately. Pre-authorization happens later.
3. Verify Hospital: Not all private hospitals are empanelled. Check the list before visiting.
4. No Cash Needed: You should not pay anything at empanelled hospitals for covered procedures.
5. Helpline: Call the KASP helpline 104 for any queries or complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is KASP the same as Ayushman Bharat?

KASP is Kerala's implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY with additional state coverage. It covers more families than PM-JAY alone.

Q2: Can I use KASP at any hospital?

Only at KASP-empanelled hospitals. Check the list at kasp.kerala.gov.in.

Q3: What if my ₹5 lakh limit is used up?

You can seek treatment at government hospitals where treatment continues to be free regardless of the KASP limit.

Q4: Are medicines covered after discharge?

Yes. Post-discharge medicines for 15 days and follow-up consultations are covered.

Q5: Do I need a referral from a government hospital?

For government hospitals, no referral is needed. For private empanelled hospitals, a referral from a government doctor may be required for planned procedures.

Q6: Can I use KASP outside Kerala?

Under the PM-JAY portability feature, you may be able to use it at empanelled hospitals in other states. Check with the hospital.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is independent and not affiliated with the Government of Kerala. Verify at kasp.kerala.gov.in.