Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Check Eligibility and Apply Online

President Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday that all citizens aged above 70 years will receive free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. This announcement was made during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament in New Delhi. 

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat, is the world's largest fully government-funded health assurance scheme. It provides a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for hospitalization needs for senior citizens above 70 years and poor families. This initiative aims to support over 12 crore poor families, which is approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, including the bottom 40% of India's population.

How to Check Eligibility for PM-JAY?

Step 1: Visit the Official Website https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/

Step 2: Look for the section that says "Am I eligible" on the website and click it.

Step 3: Provide your mobile number as required.

Step 4: You will receive an OTP on the provided mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed.

Step 5: After verifying the OTP, select your state from the options provided.

Step 6: Once you've selected your state, the website will indicate whether you are eligible for the PM-JAY scheme or not.

How to Apply for Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) Online?

Step 1: Prepare scanned copies of essential documents such as Ration Card, Aadhar Card (or any government-verified identity card), Income Certificate (if available), and Residential Certificate. 

Step 2: Go to the official PM-JAY website. 

Step 3: Fill out the application form with accurate details and upload the required documents. 

Step 4: Submit the completed application form online.

How to Apply for Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) Offline?

Step 1: Approach both government and private hospitals that are part of the PM-JAY scheme.

Step 2: Seek assistance from the help desk at these hospitals. They will guide you through the application process. 

Step 3: Submit the necessary documents (Ration Card, Aadhar Card, Income Certificate (if available), and Residential Certificate.) 

Step 4: After the application is processed and approved, a PM-JAY Medical Insurance Scheme card will be issued to you.

Key features of PM-JAY:

• Cashless access to healthcare services at empanelled hospitals, both public and private.
• Coverage extends to pre-hospitalization (up to 3 days) and post-hospitalization (up to 15 days) expenses including diagnostics and medicines.
• There are no restrictions based on family size, age, or gender.
• Coverage includes all pre-existing conditions from the outset.
• Benefits are portable across the country, allowing beneficiaries to seek treatment at any empanelled hospital nationwide.

PM-JAY addresses the issue of health expenditure, which often drives millions of Indians into poverty annually. It covers approximately 1,929 medical procedures, encompassing all costs related to treatment such as drugs, diagnostics, physician fees, room charges, and more. 

Public hospitals are reimbursed at rates equivalent to private hospitals for services rendered under this scheme. PM-JAY aims to unify and streamline healthcare benefits, replacing fragmented systems with a comprehensive approach to healthcare access and financial protection for vulnerable families across India.