The Arogya Karnataka scheme, officially known as Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK), is Karnataka’s flagship universal health coverage programme launched on 2nd March 2018 . It was India’s first state-run health cover programme implemented for all citizens, covering both Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families .
The scheme was created by converging multiple existing health programmes including Vajpayee Arogyashree, Yeshaswini, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme, and Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Scheme under a single umbrella . On 30th October 2018, the scheme was integrated with the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) .
The primary objective is to extend Universal Health Coverage to all residents of Karnataka, providing primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare benefits without financial hardship . The scheme is implemented by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), which serves as the State Health Agency .
Overview of Arogya Karnataka Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) |
| Previously Known As | Arogya Karnataka |
| Launch Date | 2nd March 2018 |
| Merged with AB-PMJAY | 30th October 2018 |
| Implementing Agency | Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (State Health Agency) |
| BPL Coverage (Category A) | ₹5 lakh per family per year — fully free |
| APL Coverage (Category B) | Up to ₹1.5 lakh per year — 30% subsidy |
| Treatment Packages | 1,650+ procedures |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from Day 1 |
| Card Cost | ₹10 (A4 card) or ₹35 (plastic card) |
| Helpline | 1800-425-8330 / 104 |
| Official Portal | arogya.karnataka.gov.in |
Key Features of the Scheme
The Arogya Karnataka scheme incorporates several distinctive features that make it one of India’s most comprehensive state-led health programmes.
Cashless Treatment:
Beneficiaries can receive completely cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals. Once eligibility is verified through Aadhaar and ration card details, no upfront payment is required for approved procedures .
Family Floater Cover:
Eligible beneficiaries receive a family floater health insurance cover, with coverage limits varying by category .
Wide Hospital Network:
The scheme includes district hospitals, taluk hospitals, medical college hospitals, and selected empanelled private hospitals. This ensures access to both public and specialised private healthcare facilities across Karnataka .
Digital Verification System:
Enrolment is based on Aadhaar number, with biometric authentication through the CIDR Aadhaar Server. E-KYC details are auto-populated. In case biometric failure, options such as OTP verification and QR code data capture are available .
Package-Based Treatment Model:
Medical services are provided under predefined treatment packages that include doctor fees, hospital stay, medicines, diagnostics, and procedure costs. The scheme covers over 1,650 treatment packages .
Pre-Authorisation System:
Treatments under defined packages require online pre-authorisation approval from the implementing authority to ensure transparency and proper claim settlement .
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme divides beneficiaries into two main categories with different coverage levels.
Category A – BPL and Eligible Households (Free Treatment)
- Permanent residents of Karnataka
- Eligible households under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, including BPL families, PHH card holders, and AAY families
- Farmers, unorganised sector workers, SC/ST families, and cooperative society members
- Entitled to free cashless treatment of ₹5 lakh per family annually
Category B – APL Households (Subsidised Treatment)
- Domicile of Karnataka
- Families without any NFSA card
- Receive 30% government subsidy on treatment costs
- Up to ₹1.5 lakh coverage per family per year on co-payment basis
- Approximately 19 lakh families covered under this category
Exclusion Criteria
The scheme excludes:
- Residents covered under Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme
- Residents covered under employer-provided health insurance schemes
- Individuals with private health insurance policies
- Residents covered under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- Government of Karnataka employees (till amendment of medical attendance rules)
Documents Required
For Arogya Karnataka enrolment, applicants need the following documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Primary identity verification and E-KYC |
| Ration Card | Family identification and category verification |
| Passport-size Photograph | Card issuance |
| Mobile Number | OTP verification and updates |
Enrolment Process:
The enrolment is based on a person’s Aadhaar number. Biometric impression is captured and authenticated with the CIDR Aadhaar Server. The E-KYC details are auto-populated .
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The Arogya Karnataka card can be obtained through the following process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to arogya.karnataka.gov.in or the Ayushman Bharat App.
Step 2: Login
Log in using your mobile number and OTP verification.
Step 3: Search for Beneficiary
Search using one of the following:
- Family ID (12-digit ration card number)
- Aadhaar Number
- PM-JAY ID
- Beneficiary Name
Step 4: Check Beneficiary Status
The system will show one of these statuses:
- Unidentified: Link Aadhaar/E-KYC not done
- Identified: E-KYC is to be completed
- Verified/Approved: E-KYC is verified
Step 5: Complete E-KYC
E-KYC can be completed through:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Fingerprint authentication
- IRIS Scan
- Face Authentication
Step 6: Download Card
Download the Arogya Karnataka card using Aadhaar-based OTP authentication .
Offline Application:
Visit any government Primary Health Institution (PHI) with Aadhaar card and ration card. The application process is completed at the centre .
Card Cost:
- A4 printed card: ₹10
- Plastic card: ₹35
Treatment Packages and Coverage Details
The Arogya Karnataka scheme covers a comprehensive range of medical treatments.
Secondary Care Covered:
- General surgeries
- Obstetrics and gynaecology procedures
- Orthopaedic treatments
- General medicine requiring hospitalisation
- Paediatric care
Tertiary Care Covered:
- Cardiac surgeries
- Neurosurgery
- Cancer treatments (oncology)
- Polytrauma care
- Organ-related surgeries
Package Details:
- Over 1,650 treatment procedures covered
- Pre-existing diseases covered from Day 1
- Follow-up procedures included (approximately 60 procedures annually)
What is NOT Covered:
- Doctors’ office visits that do not result in hospitalisation
- Cosmetic or elective procedures not on approved list
- Treatment at non-empanelled private hospitals
- Conditions not listed in approved package list
Emergency and Referral Services
The scheme is supported by a robust emergency and referral infrastructure.
108 Arogya Kavacha Emergency Services:
In May 2026, Karnataka launched the government-owned “108 Arogya Kavacha Centralised Command and Control Centre” in Bengaluru, making it the first state in India to establish a fully government-owned centralised command system for emergency ambulance services .
Key features include:
- GPS-enabled ambulance tracking
- Automatic caller location detection
- Intelligent nearest-ambulance allocation with estimated arrival time calculation
- Digital patient care records through Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs)
- Hospital pre-alert notifications
The Command and Control Centre integrates multiple emergency platforms:
- 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance services
- 104 Arogya Sahayavani
- 112 Emergency Response Support System
- Tele-MANAS (14416)
- eSanjeevani
- 181 Women’s Helpline
- 1098 Child Helpline
Online Referral System (ORS):
The scheme implemented an Online Referral System (ORS) from June 2022 for seamless patient referral from primary to higher healthcare facilities. Doctors and nodal officers refer patients through the website arogya.karnataka.gov.in, making the process hassle-free and preventing fraud .
Gruha Arogya: Doorstep Healthcare Initiative
The Gruha Arogya scheme is a complementary initiative for early detection and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Key Features:
- Door-to-door screening for NCDs by ASHA workers
- Covers 14 NCDs including diabetes, hypertension, and three common cancers (oral, breast, cervical)
- Individuals aged 30 and above are screened
- Free medication and regular follow-up care at Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres
NCDs Covered:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Oral, breast, and cervical cancers
- Diabetic foot
- Mental health disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Anaemia (19 to 29 years)
ASHA workers visit approximately four to five houses per working day and register all household members in the ASHA application on the NCD portal .
Implementation Challenges and Research Findings
A study published in 2026 examined barriers and facilitators of AB-ArK utilization in rural Karnataka, providing valuable insights .
Key Findings:
- Only 55% of participants were aware of the scheme
- Just 22% possessed AB-ArK cards
- Only 10% had utilized the scheme in the previous year
- Among those who used the scheme, 37% incurred additional expenses
Barriers Identified:
- Perceived limited scope (covers only major illnesses)
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medicines, diagnostics, and procedures exceeding package limits
- Systemic barriers for migrants (language issues, Karnataka-specific ration card requirement)
- Lack of guidance and hospital staff unawareness
- Delays in obtaining documentation
Facilitators Identified:
- Awareness sessions by healthcare providers like ASHAs
- Positive beneficiary experiences shared through word-of-mouth
- Collaboration between private and government healthcare providers
- Referral facilitation by private hospitals
Recommendations from the Study:
- Enhance awareness campaigns
- Share positive experiences to build trust
- Improve health workers’ knowledge
- Reduce reliance on ration cards for eligibility
- Expand coverage to include outpatient care
Important Official Links and Resources
Official Websites:
- Arogya Karnataka Portal: arogya.karnataka.gov.in
- Karnataka Government Portal: karnataka.gov.in
Helpline Numbers:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-425-8330
- Helpline: 104
Implementation Agency:
- Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (State Health Agency)
- Under Health and Family Welfare Department, Karnataka
What is the Arogya Karnataka scheme?
Arogya Karnataka (Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka) is Karnataka’s universal health coverage scheme offering free cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year to BPL families and subsidised treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh per year to APL families at empanelled hospitals across the state .
What is the full form of AB-ArK?
AB-ArK stands for Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka. It operates in conjunction with the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) .
Who is eligible for the Arogya Karnataka scheme?
BPL families identified under NFSA eligible households are entitled to free cashless treatment of ₹5 lakh per year. APL families can avail 30% subsidy on treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh per year. Any permanent resident of Karnataka can apply .
What documents are required for the Arogya Karnataka card?
Required documents include Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, and passport-size photograph. Enrolment is based on Aadhaar with biometric authentication .
How can I apply for the Arogya Karnataka card?
Apply online through the official portal arogya.karnataka.gov.in or the Ayushman Bharat App. Offline applications are accepted at any government Primary Health Institution (PHI) .
How much does the Arogya Karnataka card cost?
The A4 printed card costs ₹10, while the plastic card costs ₹35 .
What treatment packages are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers over 1,650 treatment packages, including cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, kidney transplant, orthopaedics, burns management, trauma care, and critical care services .
Is there any additional financial assistance beyond the coverage limit?
For BPL families, expenses exceeding ₹5 lakh can avail one-time assistance of up to ₹15 lakh from Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) at government super-specialty hospitals .
What is the Online Referral System (ORS)?
ORS is a digital platform implemented under AB-ArK for seamless patient referral from primary to higher healthcare facilities. Doctors refer patients through the website arogya.karnataka.gov.in .
What is the Gruha Arogya scheme?
Gruha Arogya is a doorstep healthcare initiative for early detection of non-communicable diseases. ASHA workers conduct door-to-door screening for 14 NCDs including diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers, with free medication and follow-up care .