All You Need to Know about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana

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India’s healthcare is a luxury for the most of the population, especially for those residing in rural areas or belonging to economically disadvantaged sections. To address this issue and end the gap between the rich and the poor regarding healthcare access, the Government of India introduced a transformative health initiative known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This scheme, also referred to as the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), represents the world’s largest insurance program, designed to provide affordable healthcare to the masses. With this blog, we shall inform you about Ayushman Bharat Yojana, its features, benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, positioning it as a crucial milestone in India’s quest to ensure healthcare as a fundamental right.

The Genesis of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Launched on 23rd September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Bharat Yojana emerged as a critical response to the soaring medical costs that often lead to financial ruin for families in need of healthcare. It seeks to provide insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, specifically targeting secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. This ambitious program is a part of the PM Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which also focuses on establishing Health and Wellness Centres aimed at preventing diseases through early detection and preventive healthcare.

The scope of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is immense, aiming to benefit over 50 crore (500 million) individuals, especially from the poorer sections of society. By offering health cover without money barriers, it has the potential to reduce the disparities in healthcare access between India’s rural and urban populations.

Key Features and Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has several progressive features that not only make healthcare more accessible but also ensure that the treatment is free from bureaucratic and financial limitations. A few of the important features of the scheme include:

Financial Coverage: The scheme offers a health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh for every family annually, which can be utilised for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Comprehensive Coverage: More than 1,500 medical procedures, including critical surgeries and cancer treatments, are covered under this program.

Inclusive Healthcare: The scheme encompasses both rural and urban poor populations, without any discrimination based on family size, age, or gender. It includes the elderly, newborns, and even people with pre-existing conditions.

Cashless and Paperless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at all empanelled hospitals, reducing the burden of paperwork and financial stress.

Nationwide Coverage: The program is available across the entire country, ensuring that eligible families can access healthcare wherever they may reside.

These provisions underscore the Indian Government’s efforts for improving health and well-being of all its citizens, especially the underprivileged.

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat Yojana/Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana

Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana is determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, a comprehensive database that identifies households in need of support. The criteria vary between rural and urban areas:

In rural areas, the scheme applies to:

Households with only one room and kucha walls and roofs.

Families with no adult members between the ages of 16 and 59.

Female-headed households.

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) households.

In urban areas, the scheme covers workers in specific occupational categories, such as:

Ragpickers

Domestic workers

Street vendors

Rickshaw pullers

Construction workers, among others.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the benefits. Individuals need to verify eligibility through the official portal or local Common Service Centres (CSC).

Application Process for Ayushman Bharat Yojana

To get the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, eligible individuals must follow an application process. For those already listed as beneficiaries, no separate application form is necessary. However, those who wish to check their eligibility or update their details can do so online or offline.

Online Application Process

Visit the official Ayushman Bharat Yojana portal at https://pmjay.gov.in.

Click on the “Am I Eligible?” option.

Enter mobile number and captcha code, and generate an OTP.

After confirming eligibility, you can proceed to obtain the Ayushman Bharat Yojana card.

Ayushman Bharat Yojana Card (PDF Download or Physical Copy)

To benefit from the scheme, an Ayushman Bharat Yojana card is essential. This card can be obtained from:

Common Service Centres (CSC)

Empanelled hospitals

Ayushman Mitras at hospital helpdesks

The card can either be provided as a physical card or as a downloadable PDF, depending on the preference of the beneficiary.

Diseases and Treatments Covered under PM Jan Aarogya Yojana

Ayushman Bharat Yojana covers many medical conditions, ensuring sound healthcare. This includes treatments for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, kidney failure, and diabetes-related complications, as well as child diseases. In addition, it covers major surgeries and orthopaedic procedures like hip and knee replacements.

Inclusive Healthcare for Senior Citizens

The best part of Ayushman Bharat Yojana for senior citizens is how inclusive it is. No upper age limit for beneficiaries, makes scheme beneficial for elderly individuals who may not have a steady income or other means of health insurance. This aspect helps reduce the financial burden on families caring for ageing members.

How to Claim Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana

The process to claim Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Once at an empanelled hospital, beneficiaries need only to present their Ayushman Bharat Yojana card. Upon verification, treatments are free and cashless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ayushman Bharat Yojana

1. What is the Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a government health insurance scheme that provides free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year for eligible families.

2. Who can apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

You can apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana if your name is listed in the SECC 2011 data and you meet the eligibility criteria.

3. How do I check my Ayushman Bharat Yojana eligibility?

You can check your Ayushman Bharat Yojana eligibility by visiting pmjay.gov.in and clicking on ‘Am I Eligible?’

4. What is the age limit for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

There is no age limit. The scheme covers everyone—from newborns to senior citizens.

5. How can I get an Ayushman Bharat card?

You can get your Ayushman Bharat card from a Common Service Centre (CSC), empanelled hospital, or download it from the official website after verification.

6. Is there a way to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana online?

Yes, you can apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana online by checking your eligibility and registering on the official portal.

7. What is the Ayushman Bharat Yojana hospital list?

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana hospital list includes both private and government hospitals. You can find the full list by selecting your state and district on the website.

8. Are pre-existing diseases covered under this scheme?

Yes, all pre-existing diseases are covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

9. Is the treatment cashless under the scheme?

Yes, all treatments under this scheme are fully cashless and paperless at empanelled hospitals.

10. How can I do Ayushman Bharat Yojana login?

Go to the official portal pmjay.gov.in and use your registered mobile number to complete the Ayushman Bharat Yojana login process.

11. How to download Ayushman Bharat Yojana card PDF?

You can log in to the website or visit a CSC to download your Ayushman Bharat card in PDF format.

12. What is the Ayushman Bharat Yojana activation code?

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana activation code is generated during the registration process. It is used to confirm and activate your card.

13. What types of diseases are covered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

The scheme covers over 1,500 medical treatments, including cancer, heart surgery, kidney failure, diabetes complications, and more.

14. How can senior citizens benefit from this scheme?

Ayushman Bharat Yojana for senior citizens means they are also fully covered, without any age or income restrictions, if they are eligible.

15. What if I need help beyond what the scheme covers?

If your treatment is not fully covered, you can use platforms like Ketto to raise funds online. Ketto helps families pay for expensive treatments through crowdfunding.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana promises to bring healthcare closer to crores of Indians, even those living in poverty. With its wide health cover, cashless services, and inclusivity, it is set to transform India’s healthcare system. By offering an insurance safety net and solving the issue of high medical costs, Ayushman Bharat Yojana is moving us toward universal health coverage.

However, some treatments may still not be fully covered under the scheme. For those times, platforms like Ketto can help. If you or your loved ones need urgent medical care and the costs are too high, you can start a fundraiser on Ketto. It is a safe and trusted way to raise money online for health emergencies. Many families have already used Ketto to pay for surgeries, cancer treatments, and more.

So, while you check your Ayushman Bharat Yojana eligibility and download your Ayushman Bharat card, remember that Ketto can also support you in times of need. Whether you want to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana, check the Ayushman Bharat Yojana hospital list, or need extra help with medical bills, both the scheme and crowdfunding platforms like Ketto are here for you.