2 Ways The Goa Government Helps Cancer Patients Afford Medical Treatment

Cancer treatments can be expensive, but the government offers many programs to help cover costs

Published on: 8 February, 2023

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and create a great deal of psychological stress, particularly due to uncertainty around the affordability of medical treatment. Fortunately, the government offers various programs to help offset the financial burden of treatment, providing important relief during a difficult time.

Here are two schemes offered by the state of Goa to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:

1. Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY)

The Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana provides medical insurance coverage to all Goans, as well as those who have migrated to Goa for employment. The scheme is implemented through a public-private partnership with United India Insurance Company Limited.

Coverage of up to INR 4 lakhs per annum for life-saving treatments and procedures such as cancer treatment, in all eligible hospitals
Cashless health insurance to all Goan residents regardless of their financial status
Depending on the number of people in the family a nominal premium of INR 200 to INR 300 is charged on an annual basis for DDSSY members
50% concession is given in premium for OBC, SC/ST category or for disabled individuals
This scheme can be auto-renewed after a duration of one year
To apply, the applicant will be required to produce Aadhaar card, enrolment slip acknowledgement, ration card, residence proof for 5 years - passport / driving licence / voter ID etc, and certificate of disability for disabled people
A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme, if
- They have not domiciled in the state for at least 5 years
- They are government employees

Read more about the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), here.

2. Goa Mediclaim Scheme

The Mediclaim Scheme is a government initiative wherein financial assistance is provided to every permanent resident of the state of Goa for availing super-speciality treatments not available in the state-run hospitals.

Coverage for medical expenses in the case of hospitalisation and even post-hospital expenses
For a patient undergoing treatment in Goa Medical College for cancer, 60% of the total cost incurred on drug/medicines, and chemotherapy is reimbursable
With the Goa Mediclaim certificate, any resident of Goa can receive medical treatment at any of the listed hospitals in the state and some located outside the state of Goa as well
To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a medical certificate from a treating doctor, income certificate, ‘mediclaim’ certificate, government ID card

Read more about the Goa Mediclaim Scheme, here.

Here are two schemes offered by the state of Goa to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:

1. Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY)

Coverage of up to INR 4 lakhs per annum for life-saving treatments and procedures such as cancer treatment, in all eligible hospitals
Cashless health insurance to all Goan residents regardless of their financial status
Depending on the number of people in the family a nominal premium of INR 200 to INR 300 is charged on an annual basis for DDSSY members
50% concession is given in premium for OBC, SC/ST category or for disabled individuals
This scheme can be auto-renewed after a duration of one year
To apply, the applicant will be required to produce Aadhaar card, enrolment slip acknowledgement, ration card, residence proof for 5 years - passport / driving licence / voter ID etc, and certificate of disability for disabled people
A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme, if
- They have not domiciled in the state for at least 5 years
- They are government employees

Read more about the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), here.

2. Goa Mediclaim Scheme

Coverage for medical expenses in the case of hospitalisation and even post-hospital expenses
For a patient undergoing treatment in Goa Medical College for cancer, 60% of the total cost incurred on drug/medicines, and chemotherapy is reimbursable
With the Goa Mediclaim certificate, any resident of Goa can receive medical treatment at any of the listed hospitals in the state and some located outside the state of Goa as well
To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a medical certificate from a treating doctor, income certificate, ‘mediclaim’ certificate, government ID card

Read more about the Goa Mediclaim Scheme, here.

If you find that you are not eligible to benefit from any of the above mentioned schemes, medical crowdfunding is also an option that is available to you. In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand. Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.

For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.