The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme was a Karnataka government health initiative for Above Poverty Line (APL) families, launched around December 2013–January 2014 and managed by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust. The scheme no longer operates separately. During 2017–18, it was merged into a unified state health scheme, which evolved into Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). Today, APL families can access eligible healthcare benefits under AB-ArK as “general patients.”
The Karnataka government’s annual report confirms that Rajiv Arogya Bhagya was introduced in 2014 and that the unified Arogya Karnataka scheme was launched on 2 March 2018. APL families outside the eligible-household category receive assistance as general patients, subject to scheme rules. So, see below the Benefits of Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme.
Key facts about the Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Started | Around December 2013–January 2014; introduced in 2014. |
| For | Above Poverty Line (APL) families in Karnataka. |
| Run by | Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST). |
| Cover | Up to ₹1.5 lakh per family per year under the original scheme, subject to its terms. |
| Status in 2026 | Merged into the unified state health scheme, now known as Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). |
| What to use now | An AB-ArK health card, subject to current eligibility and enrolment requirements. |
What was the Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme?
The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya (RAB) Scheme was a Karnataka government health assurance initiative introduced in 2014 to help Above Poverty Line (APL) families access specialised and tertiary healthcare. It complemented the Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme, which already provided cashless tertiary treatment to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
At its launch, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya targeted approximately 1.12 crore people across Karnataka. The scheme was administered by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), which coordinated treatment through empanelled government and private hospitals.
Eligible APL families could receive financial assistance for approved treatments, subject to the scheme’s coverage limits and applicable co-payment rules. The initiative was later merged into Karnataka’s unified health assurance programme, Arogya Karnataka, launched in March 2018.
For historical context on Karnataka’s healthcare initiatives, readers can refer to the Deccan Chronicle (2013 launch report).
Benefits of Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme: How It Can Help You:
The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme offered financial assistance to eligible families in Karnataka, helping them access specialised medical treatment and reduce the burden of high healthcare expenses. Its key benefits included the following:
1. Coverage for Seven Disease Areas:
The scheme covered seven major medical specialties: cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, genitourinary surgery, paediatric surgery, burns treatment, and polytrauma care.
2. Around 450 Medical Procedures:
It covered approximately 450 medical and surgical procedures, allowing eligible beneficiaries to access specialised treatments for serious health conditions.
3. Financial Assistance up to ₹1.5 Lakh:
The scheme offered financial support of up to ₹1.5 lakh per family per year, helping households manage the cost of eligible hospital treatments.
4. Co-Payment Facility:
The scheme operated on a co-payment basis for eligible Above-the-Poverty-Line (APL) beneficiaries. The government shared the cost of approved treatment, while beneficiaries contributed their prescribed share of the expenses.
5. Access to SAST-Empanelled Hospitals:
The scheme provided access to eligible government and private hospitals in the network supported by Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), helping beneficiaries receive specialised treatment at designated healthcare facilities.
6. Access to Specialised Healthcare:
The scheme helped eligible families obtain advanced medical care, including surgeries and treatments for serious illnesses, without having to bear the entire treatment cost themselves.
7. Reduced Financial Burden:
By sharing eligible treatment expenses and providing financial assistance within the prescribed limit, the scheme helped families manage costly medical procedures and improve access to healthcare.
Is Rajiv Arogya Bhagya still active in 2026?
No. The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme is no longer a separate health scheme in Karnataka. It was merged into the state’s unified healthcare programme, Arogya Karnataka, which later integrated with the central government’s Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to become Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). Eligible APL families can now seek assistance under AB-ArK as general patients, subject to the scheme’s current rules.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| December 2013–January 2014 | Rajiv Arogya Bhagya was introduced for APL families in Karnataka. The government’s annual report confirms its introduction in 2014. |
| August 2017 | Karnataka announced a unified healthcare programme combining seven existing health schemes, as reported by The News Minute (2017 merger of 7 schemes). |
| 2 March 2018 | Arogya Karnataka, the unified state healthcare scheme, was launched. |
| 30 October 2018 | Arogya Karnataka was integrated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, forming the co-branded AB-ArK scheme. |
| December 2023 | The Karnataka government announced a revised name for Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka, as covered in the Deccan Herald report (scheme renamed, Dec 2023) |
What this means in 2026: People seeking healthcare assistance should check their eligibility under the current AB-ArK scheme rather than apply for Rajiv Arogya Bhagya separately. The latest Karnataka Economic Survey identifies the integrated scheme as the state’s current programme and classifies eligible households and general patients under different benefit rules.
What replaced it: Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK):
The Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme was merged into Karnataka’s unified healthcare programme, now known as Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). The scheme divides beneficiaries into two categories: eligible patients, who can receive cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and general patients, including APL families, who receive partial financial assistance.
| Eligible patients | General patients |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies: Eligible Karnataka households under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), including qualifying BPL ration-card families, SECC-listed households and eligible RSBY beneficiaries. | Who qualifies: Karnataka residents who do not fall under the eligible-household category, including APL ration-card families—the group Rajiv Arogya Bhagya previously served. |
| Financial assistance: Cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, subject to scheme rules and approved treatments. | Financial assistance: The government covers 30% of the government-approved package rate, up to ₹1.5 lakh per family per year, on a co-payment basis. |
| Patient contribution: Covered treatment is generally cashless within the applicable benefits and limits. | Patient contribution: Patients may need to pay the remaining cost, depending on the treatment and applicable package rules. |
Karnataka’s healthcare programme is one example of state-level health coverage. Similarly, residents of Meghalaya can explore the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) to understand the healthcare benefits available in their state.
Health coverage varies by state, including eligibility and financial assistance. Readers in Punjab can also learn about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana and its applicable benefits.
For details about the national health assurance programme and its coverage, readers can also consult the PM-JAY official website.
Who is not covered?
Under the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme, certain residents are excluded because they can access healthcare through other insurance or government health schemes. These exclusions were specified in the scheme guidelines and include the following categories.
- Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) beneficiaries: Residents already covered under ESI.
- Employer-sponsored health coverage: People covered by a health assurance or health insurance scheme provided by their employer.
- Private health insurance holders: Residents who have purchased private health insurance policies themselves.
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries: Residents already covered under CGHS.
- Karnataka government employees: State government employees, subject to the applicable service-rule provisions.
- Members of the Karnataka Legislature: Legislators, subject to the applicable medical-attendance rules.
These exclusions are intended to avoid overlapping healthcare coverage. However, eligibility can depend on current government orders and amendments to the relevant rules, so residents should confirm their status with the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) before applying.
Since eligibility under government healthcare schemes can depend on existing coverage, central government employees and eligible beneficiaries in Bengaluru can check the details of CGHS Bengaluru for information on available healthcare facilities.
Documents and how to get the AB-ArK card
To access healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK), eligible Karnataka residents can enrol at a designated health facility or citizen service centre. The process involves identity verification and checking the beneficiary’s eligibility category.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card: Used for identity verification and e-KYC.
- Ration card: Carry your BPL/NFSA or APL ration card to help establish your eligibility category.
Where to apply
Visit any of the following designated enrolment centres:
- A government Primary Health Institution (PHI).
- A Bangalore One or Karnataka One centre.
- Another authorised citizen service or enrolment centre, where available.
Application process
- Visit an authorised enrolment centre with your Aadhaar and ration card.
- Provide your details for registration and eligibility verification.
- Complete Aadhaar biometric authentication, usually through fingerprint verification. Alternative verification methods may be available if biometric authentication fails.
- Once your enrolment is complete, obtain your AB-ArK identification and health card.
AB-ArK card fees
The standard first-time printed card fee is reported as approximately ₹10. Some sources list a higher fee for a plastic card, so confirm the current charge with the enrolment centre before applying. Older enrolment guidelines also list a ₹20 fee for replacing a lost card; charges at designated centres may vary.
How to get Treatment
Under Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK), patients generally begin by visiting a government hospital or Public Health Institution (PHI). After examination, the hospital may refer them to a higher-level government facility or an empanelled private hospital if the required treatment is unavailable there. Referral requirements depend on the type of procedure and the applicable scheme rules. Emergency treatments covered under AB-ArK can generally be accessed at empanelled hospitals without a prior referral.
February 2026 update: Direct access to four Bengaluru hospitals
In February 2026, the Karnataka government approved a one-year pilot programme allowing eligible patients to access covered treatments at four private hospitals in Bengaluru without first obtaining a government hospital referral. The change aims to ease pressure on public hospitals and improve access to specialised care.
The four participating hospitals are:
- St. John’s Medical College Hospital
- M. S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital
- Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital
Under the pilot, eligible BPL beneficiaries can directly approach these hospitals for covered procedures, subject to AB-ArK eligibility and the programme’s terms. Treatment is provided at government-prescribed package rates. The pilot is scheduled to run for one year, so patients should confirm that the relevant service is covered before visiting.
In February 2026, Karnataka introduced a one-year pilot easing prior government-hospital referral requirements at four private hospitals in Bengaluru for eligible BPL patients, according to Medbound Times (Feb 2026 referral pilot).
Senior Citizens (70+):
Karnataka initially relied on its existing Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme to provide healthcare benefits to senior citizens aged 70 and above, rather than adopting the Centre’s separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card programme. A January 2025 report highlighted the state’s position on implementing the separate scheme. Eligible senior citizens can access healthcare benefits under AB-ArK, subject to the scheme’s eligibility criteria and applicable coverage rules.
However, the position has since evolved, and Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued in Karnataka. Senior citizens should check the latest eligibility requirements and confirm their benefits with the official AB-ArK portal or the relevant helpline before seeking treatment.
Older adults may also benefit from understanding other available welfare services. Read our Senior Citizen Card guide to learn about the card, eligibility requirements, and potential benefits.
In addition to healthcare assistance, eligible older residents of Karnataka may explore the Sandhya Suraksha Yojana (Karnataka), a state welfare scheme that provides financial assistance to qualifying senior citizens.
Karnataka’s healthcare support for older beneficiaries was also highlighted in the Deccan Herald (seniors 70+, Jan 2025), which reported on the scheme’s benefits for residents aged 70 and above.
Helpline and official Website
For questions about the former Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme or current healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK), Karnataka residents can use the official portal or contact the relevant helplines.
- Official website: Official AB-ArK portal
- Karnataka Arogya health helpline: 104
- AB-ArK scheme helpline: 1800 425 8330
- National Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY helpline: 14555
For central government employees and pensioners living elsewhere, our guide to CGHS by City can help them find information relevant to their location.
Which number should you call?
- For AB-ArK eligibility, enrolment, or card-related queries: Call 104 or 1800 425 8330.
- For PM-JAY benefits or complaints about treatment at an empanelled hospital: Call 14555.
- For online scheme information, visit the official Karnataka Arogya portal.
The national PM-JAY helpline operates 24 hours a day, according to government information.
FAQs
Is Rajiv Arogya Bhagya still active?
No. It was merged into a single Karnataka health scheme in 2017–18, which is now Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK).
Who was eligible for Rajiv Arogya Bhagya?
APL (Above Poverty Line) families in Karnataka. BPL families were covered under Vajpayee Arogyashree.
What did Rajiv Arogya Bhagya cover?
Serious illnesses in 7 areas (heart, cancer, neurology, kidney, burns, accidents, and newborn care), about 450 procedures, up to Rs 1.5 lakh per family per year.
I have an APL card. What scheme can I use now?
AB-ArK. APL families are ‘general patients’: the government pays 30% of the package rate, up to Rs 1.5 lakh per family per year.
How do I get an Arogya Karnataka card?
Visit a government Primary Health Institute or a Bangalore One / Karnataka One centre with your Aadhaar and ration card. A small fee applies.
Can I go directly to a private hospital?
Usually, you need a referral from a government hospital. From Feb 2026, a one-year pilot allows BPL patients at 4 Bengaluru private hospitals without a referral.
What is the Arogya Karnataka helpline number?
Reported helplines are 104 and 1800 425 8330 (check on arogya.karnataka.gov.in). The national PM-JAY helpline is 14555.
Explore more state and central welfare programmes in our guide to Government Schemes & Documents, including healthcare assistance, eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Sources: Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle, The News Minute, and the official Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) portal. Scheme rules, eligibility criteria, and hospital empanelment may change. Check the official portal or contact the relevant helpline before visiting a hospital.