Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state. He said the “double-engine government” would help ensure faster and smoother implementation of major Central welfare programmes for people across West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier announced that the state would adopt the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Under the programme, eligible families receive annual health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for medical treatment and hospitalisation.
What is Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2018, is considered the world’s largest government-funded healthcare insurance scheme. The programme provides cashless medical insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family every year for secondary and tertiary healthcare treatment. It currently covers more than 1,949 medical procedures and supports over 12 crore economically weaker and vulnerable families across India. The government has also expanded the scheme to include all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income category.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
₹5 Lakh Annual Health Coverage
Eligible families receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh every year for hospitalisation and advanced medical treatment.
Cashless and Paperless Treatment
Beneficiaries can avail treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals without paying money upfront.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases
All pre-existing illnesses are covered from the first day under the scheme.
No Restriction on Family Size
There is no limit on the number of family members, age or gender covered under the programme.
Special Coverage for Senior Citizens
Under the expanded rules, every citizen aged 70 years and above receives separate health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh regardless of economic status.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online?
Citizens can register online through the official PMJAY portal by following these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the official PMJAY website. Direct link here: https://pmjay.gov.in/
- Step 2: Click on the “Am I Eligible” option available on the homepage.
- Step 3: Enter the captcha code, mobile number and OTP for verification.
- Step 4: Login after entering the captcha code again.
- Step 5: Select your State, choose “PMJAY” under sub-scheme, enter district details and search for eligibility.
- Step 6: Click on “Do e-KYC”.
- Step 7: Choose the “Aadhaar OTP” option and verify Aadhaar details.
- Step 8: Tick the consent box, enter Aadhaar OTP and mobile OTP to complete the e-KYC process.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Offline?
People who cannot complete online registration can apply through authorised Common Services Centres (CSCs).
- Step 1: Visit the nearest CSC centre.
- Step 2: Request Ayushman Bharat Card registration and provide your mobile number.
- Step 3: Submit the required documents for verification.
- Step 4: After verification, authorised officials will process the application.
- Step 5: Collect the Ayushman card from the CSC after a few days.
How Senior Citizens Can Apply for Ayushman Card
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can separately enrol under the expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme. The process includes Aadhaar verification, e-KYC completion, uploading details, adding family information and submitting a fresh enrolment request through the PMJAY portal.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Documents Required for Ayushman Card
Applicants may need the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card or PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Mobile Number and Email ID
- Address Proof
- Caste Certificate
- Family Status Proof
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The scheme covers:
- Senior citizens aged 70+
- SC/ST families
- Landless labourers
- Families living in kutcha houses
- Domestic workers, drivers, construction workers, street vendors and other low-income urban workers
There is no restriction on family size, age or gender. Families listed under the SECC 2011 database are automatically included in many cases.
Components of Ayushman Bharat
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
This component covers insurance expenses related to hospital treatment and surgeries.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Earlier known as Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), these centres provide primary healthcare services, free medicines and diagnostic facilities.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme Expansion in 2026
As of late 2025, more than 42 crore Ayushman cards had been issued across India, including over 86 lakh senior citizens enrolled under the scheme. The government has significantly expanded coverage to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, making the programme one of the largest healthcare protection schemes in the world.
