Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a scheme that aims to help the economically weaker section of society who needs healthcare facilities.
The PMJAY scheme was rolled out by the Prime Minister on September 23, 2018. This health insurance scheme covers about fifty crore citizens in India. Ayushman card already has several success stories to its credit. As a most recent addition to the benefits covered under the PMJAY scheme, all senior citizens above 70 years of age, irrespective of their socio-economic background will be eligible for a Rs. 5 lakh health insurance coverage per year. In this article, we will further discuss in detail the benefits, coverage, eligibility, exclusions, and more about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
What is PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat Yojana)?
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY), a flagship health insurance initiative of the Government of India, provides comprehensive coverage for tertiary and secondary hospitalisation expenses. This program is designed to benefit over 12 crores impoverished and vulnerable families.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana - National Health Protection Scheme has now been renamed Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This plans to make secondary and tertiary healthcare completely cashless for the underprivileged section of society. The PM Jan Arogya Yojana beneficiaries get an Ayushman card to avail of services at an empanelled hospital, public, or private, anywhere in the country. With the PMJAY scheme, you can enjoy the benefit of walking into a hospital and obtaining cashless treatment.
Key highlights of PMJAY
PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) is a flagship government health insurance scheme with the following features:
- Coverage: Provides financial protection of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation expenses.
- Eligibility: Encompasses families identified as beneficiaries under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC-2011).
- Geographic reach: Offers nationwide coverage across a comprehensive network of empanelled public and private hospitals.
- Operational efficiency: Facilitates a seamless and paperless process for accessing healthcare benefits.
What are regular health insurance plans vs. government health insurance scheme?
Regular health insurance plans are offered by private insurers, while government schemes provide affordable coverage for economically weaker sections.
Features |
Private Health Insurance |
Government Health Insurance Scheme |
Eligibility |
Available to all sections of society |
Available to lower-income groups only |
Sum Insured |
Maximum sum insured of up to Rs. 6 crores |
Maximum sum insured of up to Rs. 5 lakhs |
Premium |
Rs. 200 per month onwards (depending on the plan) |
Rs. 100 per month onwards or fully paid by the government (depending on the plan) |
Coverage |
Offers a broader coverage |
Offers a narrow coverage |
Private Hospital Room |
Available (depending on the plan) |
May or may not be available |
Policy Purchase |
Policy can be purchased instantly |
Policy purchase may take time |
Network Hospitals |
A wide network of empanelled private hospitals |
A large number of public and private network hospitals |
Maternity Benefits |
Available (depending on the plan) |
Available (Only for a single child in some cases) |
Ambulance Charges |
Available under most plans |
Available under a few plans |
Domiciliary Hospitalization Cover |
Available (depending on the plan) |
Not available |
Online Renewal |
Can be renewed online |
May or may not be renewed online |
Cumulative Bonus |
Available if no claim was filed in the previous policy year |
Not available |
Health Check-up |
Covered under some plans |
Not covered |
Monthly Premium Instalment Facility |
Available under some plans |
Not available |
Tax Benefits |
Available under the Income Tax Act, 1961 |
Not available |
About Ayushman Bharat scheme and card (PMJAY): Overview
PMJAY provides Rs. 5 lakh coverage to every family per year, thus helping the economically disadvantaged access healthcare services easily. Given below are the key details about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana:
Features |
Details |
Name of the Scheme |
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) or Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) |
Launch date for PMJAY |
September 23, 2018 |
Coverage (per family) |
Rs. 5 lakh/year |
Procedures covered |
1,400 procedures |
Pre-hospitalisation expenses coverage |
Up to 3 days |
Post-hospitalisation expenses coverage |
Up to 15 days |
Website |
|
Helpline Numbers |
1800-111-565 or 14555 |
Email Id |
|
Family Floater Scheme |
Provides coverage for the entire family under one policy. |
Cashless Healthcare |
Beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. |
Pre-Existing Diseases Covered |
From the very first day of policy activation. |
Transport Costs Reimbursed |
Includes expenses incurred for reaching the hospital. |
Daycare Expenses Included |
Covers treatments that don't require hospitalization. |
Health and Wellness Centres |
Establishes 1.5 lakh centers for primary healthcare across India. |
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides crucial healthcare access to approximately 40% of India's population, encompassing the most vulnerable segments. Key advantages of the scheme include:
- Comprehensive coverage: Encompasses 27 specialty areas, encompassing oncology, cardiology, and orthopaedics.
- Post-Discharge care: Ensures coverage for post-discharge care and associated medication expenses.
- Multi-surgical coverage: Provides financial support for multiple surgeries, with subsequent procedures covered at reduced rates (50% and 25% for the second and third surgeries, respectively).
- Critical illness coverage: Extends financial assistance for the treatment of critical illnesses, including cancer, heart surgery, organ transplants, and other life-threatening conditions.