The Government of Karnataka has launched the Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026 to provide cashless healthcare coverage to retired state government employees, family pensioners, and their dependents. The Karnataka Cabinet approved this contributory health initiative under the established Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) ecosystem.
This comprehensive guide details the key features, monthly contribution slabs, eligibility criteria, required documents, and application steps for the Sandhya Kiran Scheme.
What is the Karnataka Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026?
The Sandhya Kiran Scheme offers annual cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family on a floater basis. The state implements this initiative through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST).
Retired employees frequently face rising healthcare expenses after retirement. Private medical insurance policies often demand steep premiums or exclude pre-existing conditions for senior citizens. The Sandhya Kiran Scheme bridges this gap by extending secondary, tertiary, and emergency hospital care across government and network private hospitals.
The initiative covers approximately 3.11 lakh state pensioners and their family members, creating a total beneficiary network of around 4.93 lakh individuals across Karnataka.
Key Highlights of Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | Karnataka Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026 |
| Launched By | Government of Karnataka (Cabinet Approved) |
| Implementing Agency | Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) |
| Framework | Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) |
| Target Beneficiaries | State Government Pensioners (<70 years), Family Pensioners, & Dependents |
| Total Coverage | Up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year (Floater Basis) |
| Mode of Treatment | 100% Cashless Hospitalization |
| Hospital Network | Empanelled Government, Trust, and Private Hospitals |
| Official Portal | arogya.karnataka.gov.in / sast.karnataka.gov.in |
Financial Framework and Contribution Structure
The Sandhya Kiran Scheme operates as a contributory healthcare model where both the pensioner and the state government share the cost.
- Service Pensioners (Below 70 Years): Contribute 1.25% of their monthly basic pension.
- Family Pensioners: Contribute 0.75% of their monthly basic family pension.
- Cost Sharing Formula: Beneficiary contributions cover 70% of the overall treatment expenditure, while the Government of Karnataka funds the remaining 30%.
- Sustainability Provision: If scheme corpus utilization exceeds 85%, the system automatically adjusts the premium by 0.05 percentage points to ensure long-term stability.
The state treasury automatically deducts these nominal contributions from monthly pension disbursements, preventing manual payment delays or policy lapses.
Benefits of the Sandhya Kiran Scheme
- ₹5 Lakh Annual Family Floater Cover: Eligible family members share an annual cashless coverage pool of ₹5,00,000.
- Wide Treatment Spectrum: The scheme covers secondary medical procedures, major tertiary surgeries, and critical emergency admissions.
- Expansive Network: Pensioners access network hospitals across Karnataka, including top private specialty centers empanelled under SAST.
- Pre-Existing Disease Coverage: The policy covers pre-existing illnesses from day one without standard private insurance waiting periods.
- Direct Cashless Settlements: The Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust directly settles hospital bills, eliminating the need for out-of-pocket payments or post-discharge reimbursement claims.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria to receive benefits under the Sandhya Kiran Scheme:
- State Pensioner Status: The applicant must be a retired Karnataka State Government employee or a recognized family pensioner.
- Age Limit: Service pensioners must be under 70 years of age at the time of enrollment. (Senior pensioners aged 70 and above receive separate comprehensive health provisions).
- Eligible Dependents: Coverage extends to the pensioner’s legally wedded spouse and dependent children in accordance with Karnataka Civil Services Rules.
- Pension Portal Linkage: The pensioner must maintain an active Pension Payment Order (PPO) number in the state treasury database.
Required Documents
Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready for enrollment and hospital verification:
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) Copy / Pensioner ID Card
- Aadhaar Card (for pensioner and each dependent)
- KGID / HRMS Identification Number
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
- Active Bank Passbook linked with state pension credits
- Proof of Relationship / Family Declaration (for dependent enrollment)
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026
The state government integrates enrollment directly through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) and HRMS/Khajane-II portals. Follow these steps to register:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the SAST or Arogya Karnataka portal (
arogya.karnataka.gov.in). - Access the Pensioner Health Scheme Tab: Click on the Sandhya Kiran Scheme 2026 Registration link.
- Authenticate Identity: Enter your PPO Number, HRMS ID, and Aadhaar number. Complete OTP verification via your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Verify Personal and Pension Data: The portal automatically fetches service records from the treasury system. Confirm that your basic pension amount and service particulars appear correctly.
- Add Eligible Dependents: Enter your spouse and dependent details, attach their Aadhaar numbers, and upload verification records.
- Authorize Premium Deduction: Provide electronic consent for the automatic monthly deduction (1.25% for service pensioners or 0.75% for family pensioners).
- Submit and Download Health Card: Submit your application. Once verified, download your digital Sandhya Kiran Health Card containing your Unique AB-ArK ID.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event / Milestone | Timeline |
| Cabinet Approval Date | August 13, 2026 |
| Scheme Implementation Agency Setup | Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (Active) |
| Portal Integration & Online Registration | Ongoing Phase 1 Rollout (2026) |
| Card Issuance & Cashless Hospitalization | Effective upon enrollment verification |
Official Government References and Portals
| Organization / Authority | Official Web Link |
| Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) | sast.karnataka.gov.in |
| Arogya Karnataka Portal | arogya.karnataka.gov.in |
| Karnataka State Government Portal | karnataka.gov.in |
| Department of Health & Family Welfare Karnataka | hfw.karnataka.gov.in |
Helpline and Support Desk
| Support Channel | Contact Details |
| Arogya Sahayavani (Toll-Free Helpline) | 104 |
| SAST Universal Support Line | 1800 425 8330 |
| Direct Citizen Helpdesk | 080-22536200 |
| Official Email Support | sast-ka@nic.in / contact.sast@gmail.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Sandhya Kiran Scheme cover OPD consultations?
The scheme primarily focuses on secondary, tertiary, and emergency indoor hospital treatments and defined daycare surgical procedures under AB-ArK package rates.
2. How much does a family pensioner pay each month?
Family pensioners contribute 0.75% of their monthly basic family pension.
3. Can I use the card outside Karnataka?
Treatment is cashless at all empanelled hospitals within Karnataka. For authorized emergency treatments outside the state, SAST guidelines define specific referral pathways.
To learn more about pension verification rules and digital updates in the state, watch Karnataka Pension Account Verification and Status Guide
.
This video provides important updates regarding digital life certificate submissions and Aadhaar linkage protocols for Karnataka pension holders.