The Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme (KASS), also known as Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Yojana, is a flagship cashless health insurance initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka. Implemented through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, it aims to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to state government employees and their dependent family members without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses at the point of service.
As of 2026, the scheme has gained significant traction following its effective rollout around October 2025. It replaces or builds upon earlier initiatives like the Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme, offering broader coverage, inclusion of parents for female employees as well, and seamless access to both public and private empanelled hospitals. With monthly contributions deducted from salaries, KASS ensures financial protection against rising medical costs, covering inpatient care, emergencies, and select outpatient services across allopathy and AYUSH systems. This article provides a detailed overview of the scheme’s objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, contribution structure, enrollment process, covered treatments, hospitals, and more—serving as a complete guide for Karnataka government employees in 2026.
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Background and Objectives
Karnataka’s government employees previously relied on the Karnataka Government Servants (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1963, and schemes like Jyothi Sanjeevini, which offered limited tertiary care coverage. KASS was conceptualized to address gaps by providing truly cashless treatment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and extending benefits more equitably.
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| Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme |
The primary objectives include:
- Ensuring cashless access to quality healthcare in empanelled institutions (government, aided, autonomous, and private).
- Reducing financial stress on employees during medical emergencies or chronic illnesses.
- Promoting preventive and curative care through a wide network of providers.
- Integrating digital tools like the KASS mobile app and HRMS portal for seamless enrollment and claims.
- Covering approximately 5.2 lakh employees plus their families (potentially benefiting over 20 lakh people).
The scheme operates on a contributory model with government support, making it sustainable while empowering employees with choice and dignity in healthcare.
Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme (KASS) 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Yojana (KASS) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Karnataka State Govt Employees + Dependent Family Members |
| Launch / Effective Date | Rolled out from October 1, 2025 |
| Type | Cashless Health Insurance Scheme |
| Nodal Agency | Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) |
| Monthly Contribution |
Group A: ₹1000 Group B: ₹500 Group C: ₹350 Group D: ₹250 |
| Coverage | Cashless Inpatient, Emergency, Day Care, Ambulance, Eye & Dental (Phase I) |
| Key Treatments | Chemotherapy, Dialysis, Cataract, Minor Surgeries, Maternity, Oncology, Cardiology, etc. |
| Hospital Network | All Govt Hospitals + Empanelled Private Hospitals (Allopathy + AYUSH) |
| Ward Entitlement |
A/B: Private C: Semi-Private D: General |
| Annual Limit | No strict cap for most approved procedures |
| Enrollment | Online via KASS App / HRMS or Offline via DDO |
| Official Website | kass.karnataka.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Primary Beneficiaries:
- Serving Karnataka State Government employees (including those in departments, boards, corporations, aided institutions, universities, and autonomous bodies).
- Eligible dependent family members.
Dependent Family Members (as per Karnataka Government Servants Medical Attendance Rules):
- Spouse.
- Dependent children (including step-children, adopted children) — typically up to a certain age or until married/employed.
- Parents (including in-laws in some interpretations, but primarily those residing with the employee) with income below a specified threshold (earlier around Rs. 6,000/month; confirm latest via official portal).
- Notably, KASS extends parental coverage to female employees as well, unlike some prior schemes.
Exclusions:
- Employees already covered under other government-sponsored health schemes.
- Those who opt out (with a written declaration).
- Certain contractual or temporary staff may have restricted eligibility—check with DDO/HRMS.
Pensioners and retired employees are expected to be included progressively, as indicated in earlier announcements.
Employees must have a valid KGID (Karnataka Government Insurance Department) number and be registered in the HRMS database.
Monthly Contribution Structure (2026)
Contributions are deducted directly from salaries based on employee pay group:
- Group A: Rs. 1,000 per month
- Group B: Rs. 500 per month
- Group C: Rs. 350 per month
- Group D: Rs. 250 per month
These rates fund the scheme alongside government budgetary support. Deductions began post-launch, with an initial opt-out window. Higher contributions for senior groups reflect greater ward entitlements and potentially higher usage.
Key Benefits and Coverage
KASS stands out for its unlimited or high-limit cashless coverage (no strict annual cap for many procedures in Phase I and beyond), distinguishing it from capped insurance products.
Core Benefits:
- Cashless Treatment: At empanelled hospitals—no upfront payment for approved procedures (pre-authorization via Arogyamitra or portal).
- Inpatient Hospitalization: Including ICU, surgeries, and post-operative care.
- Emergency Services: 24/7 access, ambulance services.
- Day Care Procedures: Minor surgeries, dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.
- Specialized Treatments: Eye care (e.g., cataract), dental, maternity, oncology, cardiology, neurology, renal care, polytrauma, burns.
- AYUSH Integration: Coverage under traditional systems.
- Additional Services: Diagnostics, consultations, minor procedures (biopsy, tonsillectomy, D&C, etc.), organ transplants, IVF (limited), cochlear implants, palliative care.
Phase I Focus: Inpatient, emergency, ambulance, eye, and dental services, with expansion planned.
Ward Entitlements (based on group):
- Group A & B: Private Ward
- Group C: Semi-Private
- Group D: General Ward
Not Covered (typical exclusions):
- Cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, vaccinations (except approved), general wellness, etc.
- The scheme emphasizes package rates for transparency and cost control.
Enrollment Process
Online (Preferred):
1. Log into HRMS Karnataka portal.
2. Download/access KASS mobile app.
3. Register using KGID number and OTP.
4. Add family details, upload photos (≤1MB), declarations (Form A1/A2/A3).
5. Submit and get DDO approval.
Offline:
- Fill Form A and submit with documents to DDO via reporting officer.
Required Documents:
- Aadhaar cards, photos, payslip, birth/marriage certificates, self-declarations, KGID details.
Enrollment is mandatory by default, with opt-out possible initially. As of late 2025, thousands were approved, with many deemed enrolled.
Empanelled Hospitals and Network
KASS boasts a robust network:
- Government Hospitals: Hundreds across districts (full list on official portal).
- Private Empanelled Hospitals: District-wise lists updated as of June 30, 2026 (e.g., in Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubli, etc.). Multi-specialty and super-specialty facilities.
As of late 2025, over 186 government and 70+ private hospitals were registered, with ongoing empanelment.
Beneficiaries can access treatment at any empanelled facility (often without referral for emergencies). Check status via the KASS portal or app. NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals may have relaxed criteria.
How to Avail Treatment:
- Visit empanelled hospital with KGID, Aadhaar, and e-signed documents.
- Arogyamitra facilitates pre-auth and cashless process.
- Track pre-auth status online.
Advantages and Impact
KASS significantly reduces financial barriers, improves access to quality care (especially in rural areas via government facilities), and promotes employee well-being. Digital integration minimizes paperwork, while inclusion of AYUSH respects cultural preferences. Early data shows high enrollment and satisfaction, though challenges like hospital empanelment delays or awareness gaps persist. For pensioners and expansion to more procedures, further government orders are anticipated in 2026-27.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme 2026 represents a progressive step towards universalizing quality healthcare for public servants. By offering genuine cashless services, broad coverage, and a vast hospital network, it alleviates one of the biggest worries for government employees—medical expenses. Eligible individuals should enroll promptly via HRMS/KASS app and stay updated through the official portal (kass.karnataka.gov.in).
For the latest lists, package rates, or queries, contact the helpline (Toll-free: 1800-425-8330 or 080-22536210) or consult your DDO. Proactive health check-ups and awareness can maximize the scheme’s benefits, ensuring a healthier workforce for Karnataka. This comprehensive framework not only safeguards health but also boosts morale and productivity among Karnataka’s dedicated government workforce.
FAQs on Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme (KASS) 2026
Q: What is Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme?
KASS is a cashless health insurance scheme launched by the Karnataka Government for state government employees and their dependent family members. It provides treatment at government and empanelled private hospitals without paying cash at the time of service.
Q: Who is eligible under the scheme?
All serving Karnataka state government employees (Group A to D) and their eligible dependents — spouse, children, and parents (with income criteria) — are covered. Parents of female employees are also included. Employees already covered under other government health schemes are generally not eligible.
Q: How much is the monthly contribution?
Employees pay a fixed monthly amount through salary deduction: ₹1000 for Group A, ₹500 for Group B, ₹350 for Group C, and ₹250 for Group D.
Q: What benefits does the scheme provide?
The scheme offers cashless inpatient treatment, emergency care, ambulance services, day care procedures, eye and dental treatments, chemotherapy, dialysis, surgeries, maternity care, and many other medical services in both Allopathy and AYUSH systems.
Q: Is there any annual coverage limit?
Most approved procedures have no strict annual cap. Treatment is provided as per package rates at empanelled hospitals.
Q: How to enroll in KASS?
Enrollment can be done online through the KASS mobile app or HRMS portal by adding family details and uploading documents. Offline application can also be submitted through the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).
Q: Where can treatment be availed?
Cashless treatment is available in all government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals across Karnataka. The latest hospital list is available on the official KASS website.
Q: What documents are required at the hospital?
Employees should carry their KGID number, Aadhaar card, and DDO-approved documents for smooth pre-authorization and cashless treatment.