Ayushman Bharat Yojana: If you have an elderly person aged 70 years or older in your home, the central government has given them the biggest gift. Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY), cashless treatment (free treatment cover) up to ₹5 lakh has been announced for senior citizens. Most importantly, any senior citizen can now avail of this scheme, regardless of income, caste, or other health insurance. Now, you don’t need to submit any documents or income certificates; you can instantly get an Ayushman Card by applying online from the comfort of your home. Learn the full details of this life-saving scheme and the easy way to apply.
Who can apply and who will benefit
The government has simplified the eligibility criteria for this scheme to ensure maximum access to health protection for senior citizens. All Indian citizens aged 70 years or older are eligible for this scheme. Income limits, caste, or other health insurance coverage will not be affected. Senior citizens already enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will receive an additional top-up benefit of ₹5 lakh.
This top-up will be separate from the family quota and will be valid only for the senior member. This benefit also applies to senior citizens registered under the CGHS, ECHS, or any other government/private health scheme. This means each senior citizen will receive separate health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
Cashless Treatment and Free Treatment of ₹5 Lakh
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides senior citizens with significant financial security without any premium. Senior citizens will receive cashless medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. This coverage will be valid at empanelled government and private hospitals across the country, and treatment will be completely free.
Almost all major illnesses and surgeries will be treated for free under this scheme. This includes doctor’s consultation and diagnostic tests, minor and major surgeries, ICU admission and medications, implants (such as hip and knee replacements), and follow-up for up to 15 days before and after hospitalization. Most importantly, all expenses will be cashless, meaning the patient will not have to pay anything to the hospital.
Easy Online Application Process for Ayushman Card
The entire process for obtaining an Ayushman Card is completely online and paperless. There is no need for income proof or photocopies of any documents. First, download the Ayushman App or visit the official PM-JAY website. Complete e-KYC (online verification) using your Aadhaar card. Your details will be automatically linked to the scheme.
You will be able to download your digital Ayushman Card immediately. Now, you can use this card to avail a cashless treatment at any listed hospital in the country. The application process under this scheme has been simplified to the point where anyone can create a card using their mobile phone. There’s no need for an agent or middleman. If you encounter any difficulties online, you can also apply at a Common Service Center (CSC).
Portability across the country
The most important feature of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is its nationwide portability. This means that if an elderly person falls ill while living in Delhi and needs treatment at a hospital in Bihar or Mumbai, they won’t face any problems. This card will be valid at network hospitals across India.