Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): A Simple Guide - Detailed Scheme Information
Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): A Simple Guide
Free & cashless secondary and tertiary healthcare cover up to ₹5,00,000 per eligible family per year.
What is AB-PMJAY?
Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India’s national health assurance initiative providing financial protection and timely access to quality health services for poor and vulnerable families. It aims for universal health coverage and reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Cashless treatment up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year for secondary & tertiary care.
- No limit on family size or age — benefits apply family-wise.
- Pre-existing conditions covered from day one.
- Portable nationwide — use at any empanelled public or private hospital.
- Covers hospitalization, pre & post hospitalization (as per package rules).
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined using socio-economic databases such as SECC-2011 and state lists. Families included in the beneficiary lists are eligible for the scheme — use the official "Am I Eligible" or beneficiary search tool on PM-JAY portals to confirm your family’s status.
How to check eligibility (quick)
- Visit the PM-JAY beneficiary portal (look for “Am I Eligible / Beneficiary Search”).
- Enter Aadhaar / Family ID / Ration card or other family details as requested.
- System will show whether your family is in the PM-JAY list.
If not listed, contact your State Health Agency, nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or local empanelled hospital for guidance — eligibility lists are maintained by the national and state authorities.
How to apply / get your Ayushman card (step-by-step)
Online (quick check & registration)
- Go to the PM-JAY / NHA beneficiary portal and use “Am I Eligible” or beneficiary search.
- If eligible, follow the portal prompts to register or generate the family’s Ayushman ID / card (some states provide instant downloadable family cards).
- You may be asked for Aadhaar or OTP verification for authentication.
Offline / Assisted
- Visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) — they can check eligibility and issue Ayushman cards.
- Visit any empanelled government/private hospital — the hospital’s helpdesk or nodal officer can check the database and help you obtain benefits.
- Call the PM-JAY helpline (official helpline published on PM-JAY portals) for guidance and nearest empanelment information.
Documents commonly required
- Aadhaar card or other government ID for family members
- Ration card / Family ID (if applicable)
- Any state-issued beneficiary letters or certificates (if previously issued)
How to use PM-JAY at a hospital
- Go to the hospital’s PM-JAY helpdesk / reception and inform them you are an Ayushman beneficiary.
- Provide family details / Ayushman ID / Aadhaar — hospital will verify online in the PM-JAY database.
- Once verified, treatment is provided cashless as per the approved package; hospital submits claim to the State Health Agency/NHA for payment.
Frequently asked questions (short)
Q: Is pre-existing disease covered?
A: Yes, PM-JAY covers pre-existing conditions from day one (as per package rules).
Q: Can I use the benefit anywhere in India?
A: Yes — benefits are portable across empanelled hospitals nationwide.

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