Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Free Healthcare, Eligibility, Online Apply

Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Free Healthcare for Your Family – Are You Eligible?

Did you know that 75% of Indian families still pay medical expenses out of their own pockets, often pushing them into debt? In a country where healthcare costs are rising, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY) emerges as a lifeline for millions. Launched in 2018, this flagship scheme offers free healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to India’s most vulnerable households. But do you qualify? Let’s break down everything you need to know.

 

What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program. Designed to protect 50 crore+ Indians from crippling medical bills, it targets low-income families, laborers, and marginalized communities. The scheme covers 1,500+ treatments, including critical surgeries, cancer care, and maternity services, ensuring no one is denied care due to financial constraints.

 

Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

• ₹5 lakh coverage per family yearly for hospitalization, surgeries, medicines, and diagnostics.
• No restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
• Cashless treatment at 27,000+ empaneled hospitals (government and private).
• Covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses for 15 days.

 

Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

Eligibility is determined using the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Here’s how it works:

For Rural Families:

• Landless households dependent on manual labor.
• Families without adult members aged 16–59.
• SC/ST communities, tribal groups, and beggars.

For Urban Families:

• Domestic workers, street vendors, sanitation staff.
• Ragpickers, construction workers, and low-income earners in informal sectors.

Special Inclusions:

• Families with disabled members or no able-bodied adults.
• Homeless individuals and those living in kutcha houses.

 

How to Check Eligibility & Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Visit the official PM-JAY website (https://pmjay.gov.in).
• Enter your mobile number, state, and ration card number or SECC family ID.
• Use the Am I Eligible? tool or call 14555 for assistance.

Step 2: Apply for the Ayushman Card

• Online: Submit scanned copies of your Aadhaar, ration card, and income certificate.
• Offline: Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or empaneled hospital with documents.

Required Documents:

• Aadhaar card
• Ration card (if applicable)
• Income certificate or caste certificate

 

List of Treatments Covered

PM-JAY covers 1,594 procedures, including:

• Cardiac surgeries (e.g., bypass, valve replacement)
• Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
• Orthopedic surgeries (hip/knee replacements)
• Organ transplants (kidney, liver)
• Maternal care (C-sections, neonatal services)

 

How to Use Your Ayushman Card

1. Locate an empaneled hospital via the PM-JAY app or website.
2. Visit the hospital’s Ayushman Bharat kiosk with your Aadhaar and PM-JAY card.
3. Complete biometric verification for cashless treatment.
4. All expenses are directly settled between the hospital and the government.

 

Common Misconceptions & FAQs

Myth: “Only government hospitals accept PM-JAY.”
Fact: Over 15,000 private hospitals are empaneled.

Q: Is the card renewable?
A: No renewal needed—the card is valid for a lifetime.

Q: What if I lose my card?
A: Download a digital copy via the PM-JAY portal or visit a CSC.

 

Conclusion: Secure Your Family’s Health Today

Why risk financial ruin over medical emergencies? If you qualify, Ayushman Bharat Yojana guarantees free, quality healthcare for your loved ones. Check your eligibility now and apply—your family’s well-being is worth it.

Need help? Contact the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 or visit your nearest CSC.

Also Read: Latest Government Schemes 2025

Apply Ayushman Card Flow:

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Background of the Ayushman Bharat Mission:

Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlining commitment, which is to "leave no one behind."

Ayushman Bharat is an attempt to move from sectoral and segmented approach of health service delivery to a comprehensive need-based health care service. This scheme aims to undertake path breaking interventions to holistically address the healthcare system (covering prevention, promotion and ambulatory care) at the primary, secondary and tertiary level. Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related components, which are -

·         Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

·         Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

1. Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs)

Launched in 2018, HWCs aim to transform 1,50,000 Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres into Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) hubs. They provide maternal and child health services, treatment for non-communicable diseases, and free essential drugs and diagnostics. The focus is on preventive healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring equitable access to primary healthcare services.

2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

PM-JAY, launched in 2018, is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, providing ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. It covers 12 crore poor and vulnerable families (about 55 crore beneficiaries) based on SECC 2011 data. The scheme is fully government-funded, covering pre-existing conditions from day one and offering cashless treatment across empaneled hospitals nationwide.

Key Features of PM-JAY:

• ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family with no age or family size limit.
• Covers hospitalization, diagnostics, medicines, and surgeries.
• Cashless treatment at empaneled public and private hospitals.
• Portable benefits across India for eligible families.
• Includes 1,929 medical procedures, covering ICU, OT, physician fees, and implants.
• Pre-hospitalization (3 days) and post-hospitalization (15 days) covered.

PM-JAY replaces previous schemes like RSBY, ensuring comprehensive health coverage without financial burden on low-income families.

Source: https://abdm.gov.in/