The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a major health program started by the Government of India in 2018. The aim of this scheme is to provide free and good-quality healthcare to families who are economically weak. Under this scheme, families can get medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per year without paying anything. It covers treatments in both government and selected private hospitals across India.
How Ayushman Bharat Yojana Works
When a person who is eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana visits a hospital that is part of the scheme, the first step is to confirm their identity. This is done using a government-issued ID like an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or ration card. Once the hospital confirms that the person qualifies for the scheme, they are admitted for treatment. The best part is that the treatment is cashless, meaning the hospital sends the bill directly to the insurance company, and the patient doesn’t have to pay anything themselves at that moment. After the treatment is complete, the patient can go home, and if they need any follow-up care, that’s also covered under the scheme, so they can get additional treatment without worrying about money.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- Free Health Insurance: Each eligible family gets free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh every year.
- Cashless Treatment: You don’t have to pay anything for your treatment in hospitals that are part of this scheme. The process is paperless and hassle-free.
- Large Coverage: Around 10 crore families (over 50 crore people) are covered under this scheme. There is no limit on family size, age, or gender.
- Covers Hospital Expenses: The scheme pays for hospital expenses, including the cost of medicines, tests, and even follow-up checkups.
- Wide Range of Treatments: PMJAY covers more than 1,500 medical treatments and surgeries.
- Hospitals Across India: There are over 25,000 hospitals, both government and private, where you can get free treatment under Ayushman Bharat.
- No Cost to the Patient: All the treatments are free for people who qualify under the scheme.
- Transport Allowance: The scheme even covers some of your travel expenses when you go to the hospital for treatment.
Check: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Know Benefits, Eligibility, Application Process
Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The eligibility for PMJAY is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Here’s who can benefit:
For Rural Areas:
- Families without an adult aged between 16 and 59.
- Families with no male adult member.
- Families with at least one disabled member.
- Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households.
- Landless laborers and those doing manual work.
- Families living in poorly built houses.
For Urban Areas:
- Street vendors, construction workers, and ragpickers.
- Domestic helpers, gardeners, and cleaners.
- Artisans, cobblers, and small shop workers.
- Drivers and delivery workers.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana
You don’t need to fill out an application to join this scheme. The government uses data from 2011 to identify eligible people. To check if you’re eligible and use the scheme, follow these steps:
Check if You’re Eligible:
- Go to the official Ayushman Bharat website: https://pmjay.gov.in.
- Click on “Am I Eligible?” and enter your mobile number.
- Fill in the necessary details to check your eligibility.
Get Your Ayushman Bharat Card:
- If you are eligible, visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital to get your Ayushman Bharat Card.
- You will need to show your Aadhaar card or any other identity proof to get the card.
Select a Hospital:
- A list of hospitals where you can get treatment is available on the Ayushman Bharat website. You can go to any hospital on this list.
Get Treatment:
- Show your Ayushman Bharat Card at the hospital, and they will confirm your eligibility and provide you with free treatment.
Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- Aadhaar Card: Used to prove your identity.
- Ration Card: Helps confirm your family details.
- Mobile Number: Needed to check your eligibility and register.
- Ayushman Bharat Card: This is your health card under the scheme.
- SECC 2011 Data Proof: Confirms your eligibility based on the government data.
Important Links and Contact Details
National Health Authority (NHA):
- Website: https://nha.gov.in/
- Toll-Free Number: 14555
- Email: pmjay[at]nha[dot]gov[dot]in
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
- Website: https://abdm.gov.in/
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-4477
- Email: abdm[at]nha[dot]gov[dot]in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The scheme is for families who are economically weak and listed in the SECC 2011 data. It includes rural and urban households like landless laborers, street vendors, and domestic workers.
You can visit the Ayushman Bharat website and check your eligibility by using the “Am I Eligible?” option. You can also visit a nearby Common Service Center (CSC) for help.
It provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for healthcare expenses.
Yes, you can get treatment at both government and private hospitals that are part of the scheme.
The scheme covers more than 1,500 treatments, including serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and kidney transplants.
No, all treatments under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana are completely free for eligible people.
You will need your Aadhaar card, Ration card, and Ayushman Bharat Card. These documents confirm your identity and eligibility for the scheme.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a major step by the Indian government to ensure that every citizen, especially the poor, can get quality healthcare without worrying about high costs. This scheme provides peace of mind to millions of families, knowing that they can access free medical care for serious illnesses.