PMJAY e-card: Cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, no age limit, check details here
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The initiative aims to offer cashless hospital treatment to economically weaker and vulnerable families, protecting them from major health expenses.
As India’s largest health insurance program, PM-JAY provides each eligible family with annual medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for both secondary and tertiary care. Around 50 crore beneficiaries—representing the poorest 40% of the country’s population—are entitled to receive these benefits. The scheme has no restrictions on family size or the age of its members, meaning both a 5-year-old child and a 100-year-old elder can receive treatment under it.
A key highlight of PM-JAY is that it includes coverage for pre-existing illnesses from the first day itself. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies for the scheme and how to apply.
Who can apply for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana?
In rural areas: Families having just one room, no adult member, SC, ST families, landless labourers etc.
In urban areas: People who work as ragpickers, domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers, cycle rickshaw pullers, shopkeepers, electricians, tailors, etc.
Who will not get the benefit of the scheme?
If someone has a two, three or four wheeler, high income, government job, big house or big land or Kisan card with big credit, then they are not covered under this scheme.
What are the benefits of treatment under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana?
The PM-JAY scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family. This includes:
- Medical examination and treatment
- Pre- and post-hospitalization care
- Medicines and medical equipment
- Diagnostic and lab tests
- Operations and Intensive Care
- Food and accommodation facilities in the hospital
- That is, this plan covers most of the hospital expenses.
Through this scheme, apart from government hospitals, cashless treatment facility is available in more than 24 thousand registered private hospitals across the country.
How to apply for Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme?
To enroll in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, you or your family will need to visit the nearest hospital or CSC (Community Service Center). A health friend will provide you with complete assistance. Here are some simple steps:
Identification: Firstly, Arogya Mitra will check whether you are eligible for the scheme with the help of your name, ration card number or mobile number.
Database Search: Your name is searched in the database of SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census), RSBY or State Health Scheme.
Uploading documents: If your name is found in the database, you will need to submit government identification such as Aadhaar or PAN card and family documents.
Adding family information: Next, information about other members of your family is also added, so that an e-card can be created for the entire family.
Approval: After submitting all the information, the state health agency or insurance company checks and approves your application.
E-card issuance: Upon approval, you will be issued an e-card. This card allows you to avail cashless treatment upon presentation at the hospital.
What documents are required to apply for PM-JAY e-card?
- Aadhaar Card or PAN Card
- Address Certificate
- mobile number
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Proof of family status (joint or nuclear family)
In this way, poor families can easily avail the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Scheme and can avoid any kind of financial worries during treatment in the hospital.
