Healthcare is a vital part of every citizen’s life, but the sudden onset of a serious illness can place a significant financial burden on any family. To address this significant problem, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which eligible families with an Ayushman card receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year at government and private empanelled hospitals.
This scheme has provided significant relief to millions of people. But the most important question is: if your ₹5 lakh treatment limit is reached mid-year, will your treatment be interrupted? Let’s find out when this treatment limit is renewed and how to access free treatment after the limit is reached in an emergency.
When does the ₹5 lakh limit on the Ayushman card get renewed
It’s important to understand that the ₹5 lakh treatment limit on the Ayushman card is not for a lifetime, but is set for each financial year. This means that your limit is calculated from April 1st to March 31st.
Reactivation Time
As soon as the new financial year begins, i.e., on April 1st, your Ayushman Card’s ₹5 lakh treatment limit is automatically renewed in full. If you exhausted your entire limit in February or March, you will receive your full ₹5 lakh limit again in early April. Until then, you may have to bear the cost of treatment yourself or obtain special permission.
Free Emergency Treatment When the Limit Exhausts
If your Ayushman Card limit has expired mid-financial year and you urgently need critical treatment that poses a life-threatening risk, you should take immediate action.
Special Permission from the Health Department
In exceptional and critical cases, when stopping treatment is inappropriate for ethical or health reasons, there is a provision to obtain special permission from the State Health Department. To do this, you must immediately contact the administrative department or Ayushman Helpdesk of your nearest government or private listed hospital.
The hospital administration will explain the process for obtaining special permission and the required documents you must submit, including proof of the severity of your current illness and the urgency of treatment. The state health department may decide to provide additional financial assistance based on the severity of your condition, but this is entirely subject to the department’s approval.
Where to Get Accurate Information
The rules regarding Ayushman card limits and renewal may vary slightly from state to state. Therefore, avoid rumors for accurate and reliable information. It’s best to contact your district health department or the Ayushman Helpdesk directly at the hospital. They can provide you with accurate information about the rules specific to your state and guide you in the right direction if needed.