iarjimphIARJIMPHIARJIMPH2709-331X10.47310/iarjimph.2025.v06i01.009Health in Your Pocket: A Study on Public Awareness and Use of Ayushman Bharat and Other Government Health Schemes in Himachal PradeshBackground: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) aims to provide cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh to economically vulnerable populations in India. Despite its significance, gaps in awareness and accessibility continue to limit its reach, especially in states like Himachal Pradesh with diverse geographies and literacy levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 450 adult residents of Himachal Pradesh between January and March 2025. A structured, bilingual questionnaire captured socio-demographic details and assessed knowledge of Ayushman Bharat and other schemes through 20 multiple-choice questions. Descriptive statistics and scoring criteria were used to classify awareness levels into four categories: Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%) and Poor (<40%). Results: Among the 450 participants, 77.3% were male and 67.1% from rural areas. Approximately 49.6% demonstrated “Good” knowledge and 28.7% achieved a “Very Good” score. Awareness was highest for core scheme features such as cashless treatment and hospital coverage, but weaker for technical aspects like ABHA cards, online eligibility checks and empanelled diagnostic labs. Educational level and occupation were key predictors of awareness. Conclusion: Despite broad familiarity with Ayushman Bharat, notable knowledge gaps persist in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in rural and low-literacy segments. Targeted, culturally sensitive and community-driven awareness strategies are essential for enhancing public understanding and utilization of government health schemes.