Three schemes launched alongside Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal; learn how to get the card made..
West Bengal Free Healthcare (₹5 Lakh Cover): The Central Government's ambitious Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) has been officially implemented in West Bengal as of August 16, 2026. This scheme provides a provision for free medical treatment worth ₹5 lakh.
To ensure seamless access to superior medical facilities for citizens, the state government has announced the simultaneous operation of three health schemes. Details regarding these three schemes are provided below:
Ayushman Bharat: This is the primary scheme under which approximately 1.5 crore eligible families in the state—comprising around 6 crore people—will receive free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana (Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme): This is the state government's own new scheme, designed for citizens who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Ayushman Bharat. Approximately 80 lakh people have already registered under this scheme.
Swasthya Sathi: This pre-existing scheme will not be discontinued immediately. It will continue to operate alongside the two new schemes for the next 2 to 3 months to ensure that no one's medical treatment is interrupted. Following a review, beneficiaries will be gradually migrated to the new schemes.
Key Benefits for Beneficiaries
Cashless Cover: Free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year under both Ayushman Bharat and MMSBY. Hospitalization Expenses: Includes costs for tests and medicines for 3 days before hospitalization and expenses incurred up to 15 days after discharge.
All-India Portability: Cardholders can avail of free treatment at over 36,000 hospitals across the country, not just in Bengal. Special Benefits for the Elderly (70+): No restriction on family size; senior citizens aged 70 years or older receive direct benefits without any income limit.
Extensive Hospital Network: 1,930 hospitals in Bengal (1,303 private and 627 government) have joined this network. Comprehensive Network for On-the-Spot Registration and Monitoring
Mandatory Aadhaar Identification: Possession of Aadhaar identification is essential to avail the benefits of this scheme and for verification purposes. Ayushman Bharat cards are being distributed completely free of cost.
On-the-Spot Card Facility at Hospitals: There is no need to worry if an eligible individual does not already possess an Ayushman card. You can complete on-the-spot registration using your Aadhaar details at the hospital at the time of treatment.
Monitoring of Private Hospitals: To prevent overbilling or negligence by hospitals, a special nodal team from the State Health Department will conduct review meetings every 15 days.
How to Get Your Ayushman Card
If you wish to check your eligibility or download your card, you can use the Central Government's official portal (pmjay.gov.in) or the Beneficiary App.
Visit the official portal or app and log in using your mobile number and OTP.
Select your state (West Bengal) and the name of the scheme.
Check your eligibility using your Aadhaar number or ration card number.
Once eligibility is confirmed, complete the e-KYC process using your Aadhaar card and download your Ayushman card.
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