Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh, no age limit, how to create a PM JAY e-card
A Government Health Scheme Offering Free Treatment and E-Cards for Families
The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare insurance initiatives. Launched on 23 September 2018 in Ranchi, the scheme was introduced with the aim of providing quality medical care to economically weaker families across the country. Under this programme, eligible households receive cashless hospitalisation benefits of up to ₹5 lakh annually for secondary and tertiary treatments.
What makes PM-JAY stand out is its universal family coverage—there is no restriction based on age, family size, or pre-existing illnesses. Whether it is a child, an elderly person, or someone with a prior health condition, the scheme ensures they are covered from day one. Nearly 50 crore people, representing about 40% of India’s poorest population, are eligible for this benefit.
Who Can Apply for Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)?
Eligibility under PM-JAY is determined based on socio-economic conditions. Beneficiaries are identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database, along with other state health schemes.
In rural areas, the following categories are generally included:
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Families living in one-room houses
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Households without an adult earning member
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Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families
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Landless labourers
In urban areas, the scheme covers workers such as:
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Rag pickers and domestic workers
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Street vendors and construction labourers
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Rickshaw pullers and shop assistants
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Electricians, tailors, and other informal sector workers
Who Is Not Eligible?
Not every family qualifies for this scheme. Exclusions apply to those who own vehicles (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or four-wheelers), hold government jobs, have high income levels, or possess large houses, farmland, or high-value credit cards like the Kisan Credit Card with substantial limits.
Key Benefits of PM-JAY
Each eligible family receives cashless medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. The coverage includes:
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Pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation care
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Diagnostic tests and medical investigations
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Medicines, implants, and equipment
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Surgeries, critical care, and ICU treatment
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Hospital stay, including meals and accommodation
The scheme covers most of the essential healthcare expenses that often burden families financially. Beneficiaries can avail treatment not only in government hospitals but also in more than 24,000 empanelled private hospitals across the country.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Bharat E-Card?
To access the benefits of PM-JAY, families need to obtain a digital health card (e-card). Here’s the simple process:
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Eligibility Check – Visit the nearest government hospital or a Common Service Centre (CSC). An Arogya Mitra (health assistant) will verify your eligibility using your name, ration card, or mobile number.
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Database Verification – Your details will be checked against the SECC, RSBY, or state health insurance databases.
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Document Submission – If eligible, you will need to provide documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, address proof, and family details.
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Family Registration – Information about all family members is collected so the entire household can be covered.
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Approval – Once the state health agency or insurance partner approves the application, the e-card is issued.
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Using the Card – Present the e-card at any empanelled hospital to avail cashless treatment under the scheme.
Required Documents for PM-JAY E-Card
To apply for the health card, applicants must submit the following:
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Aadhaar card or PAN card
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Proof of address
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Mobile number
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Income certificate
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Family certificate (joint or nuclear family details)
Final Word
The Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY scheme is a transformative step in India’s healthcare system. By removing the financial barrier to treatment, it ensures that millions of families no longer have to worry about medical expenses during critical times. For low-income households, obtaining the e-card is a gateway to quality healthcare and a life free from the fear of medical debt.
