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3 Government Schemes for Subsidized Cancer Treatment in Tamil Nadu (2026)
If you or a loved one are facing cancer, the government has various programs to help you offset the costs.
Tamil Nadu Cancer Aid Comparison (2026)
- CMCHIS Card: Fully cashless surgical, medical, and radiation treatments up to Rs 5 Lakh per year for families earning under Rs 1.2 Lakh annually.
- Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund: Direct financial grants for advanced treatments not covered under normal insurance.
- RAN (HMCPF): Up to Rs 5 Lakh in assistance for BPL patients admitted at major public medical institutions.
A diagnosis for a life-threatening disease can be financially and emotionally devastating for families. General health insurance may cover only so much, and other comprehensive plans do not cover expenses for the entire treatment. In such medical emergencies, the government has multiple schemes and funding options in place that provide financial aid on an ad-hoc basis, to help those affected.
Here are 3 national schemes offered by the state of Tamil Nadu to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:
1. Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme
A diagnosis for a life-threatening disease can be financially and emotionally devastating for families. General health insurance may cover only so much, and other comprehensive plans do not cover expenses for the entire treatment. In such medical emergencies, the government has multiple schemes and funding options in place that provide financial aid on an ad-hoc basis, to help those affected.
Here are 3 national schemes offered by the state of Tamil Nadu to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:
2. Health Minister’s Cancer Patients Fund (HMCPF)
The Health Minister’s Cancer Patients Fund, a component of the umbrella scheme of RAN, provides financial assistance to patients below poverty line suffering from cancer and undergoing treatment in any of the 2 enlisted Regional Cancer Centres (RCC) in the state – Regional Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai and Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital, Kancheepuram
- Each cancer patient can receive a one-time grant of INR 2 lakh, up to INR 5 lakh depending on urgency
- There is no reimbursement for expenditure already incurred
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a duly completed and signed application form, copy of income certificate and copy of ration card
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under HMCPF, if:
- Their family is covered under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
- They or their family member is a government servant
- They are receiving treatment in a private hospital
Read more about HMCPF, here.
3. Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund
The Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund is an emergency assistance scheme for granting relief to deserving families and individuals affected by natural calamities, or loss of life of relatives due to accidents, or for medical treatment for major diseases.
- Funds are allocated on the approval of the Chief Minister
- Persons suffering from cancer can apply for the same financial assistance again after a period of two years.
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a duly completed and signed application form, passport-size photo of patient, BPL card, EPIC and Aadhar card, original final hospital bill and discharge summary or estimation summary
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme, if
- Their family is covered under Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any similar existing health-related scheme with provisions for reimbursements
- Annual family income exceeds INR 1 lakh
Read more about the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, here.
Please note: These are estimated costs of treatment at most private hospitals in the country. The costs may vary based on region, severity of disease and mode of treatment.
P.S. This article is for information purposes only and don’t replace professional medical guidance. Health decisions should be made in consultation with qualified medical experts who can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for the CMCHIS scheme in Tamil Nadu?
To qualify for the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), a family’s annual income must generally be below ₹1,20,000. Eligible beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at empaneled government and private hospitals across Tamil Nadu.
Does CMCHIS cover cancer treatment at the Adyar Cancer Institute?
Yes. The Cancer Institute (W.I.A) in Adyar, Chennai, is empaneled under CMCHIS.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless cancer care services, including:
- Surgical oncology treatments
- Medical oncology services
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Diagnostic and supportive cancer care
Coverage is subject to CMCHIS eligibility criteria and approved treatment packages.
What is the maximum insurance coverage under CMCHIS?
CMCHIS provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme covers a wide range of treatments, including:
- Major surgeries
- Critical care procedures
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Organ transplant-related procedures
- Other specialized medical interventions available under the scheme
Patients can avail treatment at empaneled hospitals without making upfront payments for covered services.
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