The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been steadily increasing its beneficiary base since its inception.The scheme initially covered 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40% of India’s population, says the government.
In January 2022, the Government of India expanded the beneficiary base to 12 crore families, taking into account the country’s decadal population growth of 11.7% over the 2011 population.
Furthermore, the scheme now includes 37 lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs working across the country and their families, providing them with free healthcare benefits.
“Taking the mission ahead, AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens of the age-group of 70 years and above across the country,” said the government release.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: Who is eligible?
Senior citizens who are already part of families covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves, which they do not have to share with other family members below the age of 70. Other senior citizens aged 70 and above will be provided with a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis, according to an ET report.
Those who are already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either continue with their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
It has also been clarified that senior citizens aged 70 and above who are covered under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance scheme will still be eligible for benefits under AB PM-JAY.
This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens, by providing them with free health insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh on a family basis.
How to apply for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, eligible individuals should follow these steps:
1. Visit the official website at https://abdm.gov.in/
2. Get your Aadhaar card or ration card verified at a PMJAY kiosk
3. Submit family identification proofs
4. Obtain your printed e-card with a unique AB-PMJAY ID
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides comprehensive coverage for various healthcare expenses, including:
- Medical examinations, treatments, and consultations
- Pre-hospitalisation care, up to three days before admission
- Medications and medical supplies
- Non-intensive and intensive care services (including ICU)
- Diagnostic tests and laboratory investigations
- Medical implants, if required
- Accommodation and meals during hospitalisation
- Complications that occur during treatment
- Post-hospitalisation follow-up care, for up to 15 days after discharge
