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4 Maharashtra Government Schemes to Fund Cancer Treatment (2026 Guide)
If you or a loved one are facing cancer, the government has various programs to help you offset the costs, such as healthcare coverage and other financial assistance options.
A cancer diagnosis can be a shocking and frightening experience, and the associated financial strain can add significantly to the psychological stress of an uncertain future. Fortunately, the government offers various programs to help offset the costs of medical treatment for those facing financial hardship.
Here are 4 government schemes offered by the state of Maharashtra to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:
Maharashtra Cancer Funding Guide (2026)
| Scheme Name | Benefits | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| MJPJAY | Cashless treatment up to Rs 5 Lakh/year | All valid cardholders (Universal) |
| Chief Minister’s Relief Fund | Direct partial surgical grants | Low-income without other insurance |
| RAN-HMCPF | Up to Rs 5 Lakh for treatments | BPL patients treated at Regional Cancer Centres |
| ESIC / CGHS | 100% Cashless care | Insured workers & Government employees |
1. State Illness Assistance Fund (SIAF)
Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme, State Illness Assistance Fund (SIAF) has been set up in many states including Maharashtra. It has been formed in order to provide free treatment to BPL patients suffering from life-threatening diseases including cancer.
- It offers coverage up to INR 1 lakh for cancer treatment at government hospitals within the state
- Patients undergoing treatment in Maharashtra should be domiciled in the state
- The medical estimate, in any case, should not exceed INR 1.50 lakh
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a duly filled and signed application form, BPL Card, residential certificate, and medical estimation letter
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under SIAF, i
- 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 SIAF, here.
2. Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) - Maharashtra
The CMMRF grants financial assistance to patients below poverty line suffering from life-threatening ailments to receive treatment in hospitals in Maharashtra or across the country.
- Under this scheme, aid up to INR 50,000 is provided for chemotherapy and dialysis.
- Only poor patients with annual income below INR 1.6 lakh, who are not covered by any other state-sponsored health scheme are eligible
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce all original documents such as hospital bills, discharge summary or estimation summary, along with other documents
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under CMRF, if their family is covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any similar existing health-related scheme with provisions for reimbursements
Read more about CMRF, Maharashtra, here.
3. Health Minister’s Cancer Patients Fund (HMCPF)
The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund, set up under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), has been established in 2 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) in the state of Maharashtra – Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and R.S.T. Hospital & Research Centre, Nagpur.
- Financial assistance of up to INR 2,00,000 is provided to a cancer patient from the BPL category
- Grants from HMCPF would not be used where treatment/facilities for cancer treatment are available free of cost.
- 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.
4. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)
The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) was initiated by the Maharashtra government to give access to free medical care to the underprivileged and the vulnerable sections of society. The scheme is now integrated with Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
- MJPJAY provides cashless healthcare services to the beneficiaries for serious illnesses requiring hospitalisation including cancer
- Patients undergoing treatment in Maharashtra should be domiciled in the state
- Those seeking assistance should hold White/Orange/Yellow Ration Card, Antyodaya Anna Yojana Card (AAY) or Annapurna Card
- The scheme provides coverage for meeting all expenses in government and private empanelled hospitals, relating to hospitalisation up to ₹1.50 lakhs per family per year.
- The benefit is also available to each and every member of the family on floater basis
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce PAN card / Voter ID / Aadhaar card / nationalised bank passbook with photograph as address proof, driving license / school /college ID, handicap certificate, Tehsildar’s stamps on the applicant’s photograph
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under SIAF, if
- They are not domiciled in the state of Maharashtra
- They do not fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned here
Read more about MJPJAY, 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 coverage limit of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)?
The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) provides cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a floater basis. The scheme helps eligible families access treatment at empaneled hospitals for a wide range of serious medical conditions, including:
- Cancer surgeries
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Radiation therapy
- Organ transplants and other critical care procedures
- Specialized medical and surgical treatments
Who is eligible for the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF)?
The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) is designed to assist economically disadvantaged residents of Maharashtra who are unable to afford critical medical treatment.
Eligibility generally includes:
- Residents of Maharashtra facing financial hardship.
- Patients requiring expensive medical treatments such as cancer care, major surgeries, or life-saving procedures.
- Individuals who do not have sufficient health insurance or other financial support mechanisms.
Financial assistance is typically disbursed directly to the treating hospital to help cover treatment expenses.
Are cancer surgeries covered under MJPJAY?
Yes. MJPJAY covers a broad range of oncology services, including:
- Surgical oncology procedures (cancer surgeries)
- Chemotherapy regimens
- Radiation therapy protocols
- Diagnostic and follow-up procedures related to cancer treatment
These services are included under the scheme’s approved medical and surgical specialties and are available at empaneled hospitals across Maharashtra, subject to package guidelines and eligibility criteria.
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