Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Get Cashless Treatment Worth ₹5 Lakh, No Age Limit – How to Apply for PM-JAY E-Card
The Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world’s largest public health insurance programs, aimed at providing financial protection to economically weaker families. Launched on 23 September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ranchi, Jharkhand, the scheme offers cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
What makes this scheme unique is that there is no age limit or restriction on family size. Whether it is a child, an adult, or a senior citizen over 100 years old, every eligible member of the family can benefit from the coverage. Even pre-existing illnesses are covered from day one, making it a truly comprehensive healthcare plan for the underprivileged.
Who Can Avail the Benefits of PM-JAY?
The eligibility of beneficiaries is decided based on Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
In Rural Areas, the scheme covers:
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Families living in single-room houses
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Landless households earning a livelihood through manual labor
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Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families
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Families with no adult earning members
In Urban Areas, the scheme includes:
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Ragpickers and domestic workers
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Street vendors and construction laborers
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Cycle rickshaw pullers and daily wage workers
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Shopkeepers, tailors, electricians, and similar occupational groups
Who Is Excluded from the Scheme?
Families with higher income levels and certain assets are not eligible. This includes households that:
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Own a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or four-wheeler
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Have large landholdings or big houses
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Hold government jobs
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Possess higher-income credit-based farmer cards
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY
Under this scheme, every eligible family receives up to ₹5 lakh worth of health coverage annually. The coverage applies to both secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, ensuring that the majority of hospital expenses are taken care of.
The benefits include:
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Free medical check-ups and treatment
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Pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization care
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Medicines, consumables, and medical devices
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Diagnostic services and lab tests
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Surgeries and intensive care
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Free meals and accommodation during hospital stays
Currently, over 24,000 empaneled hospitals (both government and private) across India provide cashless treatment under this scheme.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) E-Card?
To access the benefits, beneficiaries must obtain a PM-JAY e-card. Here is the simple process:
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Verification at CSC or Hospital: Visit your nearest Community Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital. “Arogya Mitras” posted at these centers will assist you.
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Check Eligibility: Using your name, ration card number, or mobile number, they will verify your eligibility in the SECC, RSBY, or State Health Scheme database.
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Document Submission: If eligible, you need to provide identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, caste certificate, and income proof.
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Add Family Details: Other family members’ information will be added to ensure the entire household is covered.
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Approval: The State Health Agency or insurance partner reviews and approves the application.
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E-Card Issuance: Once approved, you will receive your Ayushman Bharat e-card, which can be used to avail cashless hospitalization at empaneled hospitals.
Documents Required for PM-JAY E-Card
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Aadhaar card or PAN card
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Proof of residence (address certificate)
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Mobile number
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Income certificate
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Proof of family structure (joint or nuclear family)
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has transformed access to healthcare for millions of low-income families in India. By covering hospitalization expenses, including treatment for serious diseases, the scheme ensures that no poor family is forced into debt because of medical bills. With cashless coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year and no age restrictions, this scheme is a major step towards universal healthcare in India.
Eligible families can easily apply for a PM-JAY e-card and safeguard themselves against the financial burden of hospitalization. If you fall under the eligibility criteria, it is advisable to register at the earliest and make use of the scheme’s benefits for your family’s well-being.
