Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship healthcare scheme initiated by the Government of India to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to the economically disadvantaged sections of society. This initiative, launched under the National Health Authority, offers free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. It aims to protect over 50 crore citizens from financial stress caused by medical emergencies and to provide them with quality healthcare services across the country.
If you or your family are eligible for the scheme and are looking to enroll, here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you apply for Ayushman Bharat PMJAY.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for AB-PMJAY
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
To initiate your application process, the first step is to visit the official website of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission at https://abdm.gov.in. The website provides you with detailed information about the PMJAY scheme, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and instructions on how to apply.
You can also check your eligibility directly on the website by entering details such as your mobile number or ration card number. The online platform makes it easy to access the information and begin the application process.
Step 2: Aadhaar or Ration Card Verification at a PMJAY Kiosk
Once you've gathered all the information about the scheme and checked your eligibility, visit a nearby Ayushman Bharat PMJAY kiosk for document verification. You must carry your Aadhaar card or ration card for identity verification. The kiosk officials will check your details and verify your eligibility using the scheme’s official database.
If you don't have an Aadhaar card, you can use a valid government-issued identity proof such as a ration card, voter ID, or another document accepted under the scheme’s guidelines.
Step 3: Submit Family Identification Proofs
The next step is to provide identification documents that validate the identity and eligibility of your entire family. In cases where the whole family is eligible, you will be required to submit additional documents such as income certificates, birth certificates, or voter ID cards to verify each family member’s identity. This step ensures that the entire family is registered under the scheme.
Step 4: Get Your Ayushman Bharat e-Card with Unique AB-PMJAY ID
After your details are verified, you will receive an Ayushman Bharat e-card, which includes a unique AB-PMJAY ID. This e-card serves as proof of your enrollment in the scheme and is essential for availing cashless treatment at impaneled hospitals. Make sure to keep your e-card safe, as you will need it whenever you or your family members require treatment under the scheme.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme is designed to offer wide-ranging healthcare coverage to its beneficiaries, ensuring they don’t have to worry about the financial burden of medical treatments. Here’s a detailed overview of what the scheme covers:
1. Free Medical Consultations, Treatment, and Examinations
The scheme covers the full cost of medical consultations, treatment plans, and examinations for any health condition, including severe illnesses. You can avail of both outpatient and inpatient services, making it easier to manage everything from routine check-ups to more complex medical conditions without paying out-of-pocket.
2. Pre-Hospitalisation Coverage (up to 3 Days)
AB-PMJAY offers coverage for expenses incurred before you are admitted to a hospital. This includes doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment for up to three days before admission. This pre-hospitalisation coverage ensures that you are adequately prepared for any required treatment.
3. Medicines and Medical Consumables
The scheme provides full coverage for medicines and medical consumables during your treatment period. All the necessary drugs, injections, and other medical supplies are provided free of cost to patients admitted to empaneled hospitals.
4. Non-Intensive and Intensive Care Services (ICU Care)
The PMJAY scheme covers both non-intensive and intensive care services. Whether you are admitted to a general ward or require critical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the cost of your stay and treatment is fully covered under the scheme.
5. Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests
All essential diagnostic tests and laboratory investigations needed during your treatment are included under the scheme. This is a significant benefit, as diagnostic tests can often be costly and add to the financial burden during an illness.
6. Medical Implants (If Necessary)
For patients requiring medical implants, such as stents, pacemakers, or prosthetics, the scheme covers the cost of these devices. This ensures that patients in need of critical medical interventions receive them without worrying about the financial implications.
7. Accommodation and Food During Hospitalisation
In addition to medical treatment, the scheme also covers accommodation and food services for patients during their hospital stay. This not only reduces the overall cost burden but also ensures that patients and their families can focus on recovery without additional stress.
8. Treatment of Complications
If any complications arise during the course of treatment, AB-PMJAY covers the cost of managing these complications. Whether it involves additional surgery, prolonged hospitalisation, or other intensive treatments, the scheme ensures that beneficiaries are not left with unexpected expenses.
9. Post-Hospitalisation Follow-Up (up to 15 Days)
After being discharged from the hospital, beneficiaries are covered for post-hospitalisation care for up to 15 days. This includes follow-up consultations, medications, and any additional treatment necessary to ensure full recovery.
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat PMJAY
To be eligible for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, your name must appear on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. Additionally, here are some general eligibility criteria:
Rural Areas: Families living in a single-room house with temporary walls, without an adult between 16 and 59 years of age, and those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are eligible.
Urban Areas: People working as street vendors, domestic help, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, and other low-income occupations are eligible.
Make sure to verify your eligibility using the official website or at a PMJAY kiosk.
Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a game-changer in India's healthcare system, aiming to provide financial protection to the country's most vulnerable families. By offering free and comprehensive medical coverage, this scheme ensures that no one has to forgo necessary medical care due to financial constraints.
Applying for AB-PMJAY is a simple and straightforward process, and once you’re enrolled, you gain access to a wide network of empanelled hospitals that provide cashless, quality medical treatment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, make sure to apply and secure your family’s health and well-being under this landmark healthcare initiative.