Ever worried about a hefty medical bill wiping out your savings? Fear not! The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat Yojana, is a government scheme offering financial assistance for secondary and tertiary healthcare to eligible families in India.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about PMJAY, including eligibility criteria, the registration process, and the benefits it offers. So, let’s dive in and empower ourselves with knowledge about this healthcare revolution!
Understanding Eligibility: Are You Covered by PMJAY?
The PMJAY scheme prioritizes economically disadvantaged families, ensuring they receive quality medical care without financial constraints. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- Income Based: Families with an annual income of less than Rs. 5 lakh (as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census) are automatically eligible for PMJAY.
- Social Category: Individuals belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or other backward classes (OBCs) are likely to be included, even if their income slightly exceeds the Rs. 5 lakh limit.
- Identification through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC): The SECC data serves as the primary source for identifying beneficiaries. You can find your name in the SECC list displayed at gram panchayats (village councils) or Ayushman Bharat Health Centres (AB-HSCs).
- Other considerations: PMJAY also covers certain occupations like sanitation workers, mine workers, and brick kiln workers, irrespective of their income level.
Wondering if your name is on the list? Here’s how to check:
- Online Verification: Visit the PMJAY official website (https://bis.pmjay.gov.in/BIS/selfprintCard) and click on “Am I Eligible.” Enter your mobile number and state, followed by searching by name, HHD number (if available), ration card number, or mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Helpline Support: Alternatively, you can call the toll-free helpline number 1800-111-565 for assistance with eligibility verification.
Registering for PMJAY: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Once you confirm your eligibility, registering for PMJAY is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Head to the PMJAY Website: Visit the official PMJAY website (https://bis.pmjay.gov.in/BIS/selfprintCard).
- Locate “Registration”: Look for the “Beneficiary Registration” section and click on it.
- Enter Details: Fill in the required details, including your name, mobile number, and state.
- Search for Yourself: You can search for your name in the database using various options like ration card number, HHD number (if available), or mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Family Member Registration: If your name appears, you can proceed to register your eligible family members as well.
- Document Submission (Optional): In some cases, you may be required to upload scanned copies of documents like Aadhaar card, ration card, or income certificate (if not covered under SECC).
- Verification and Ayushman Card: Once your application is verified, you’ll receive an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, formerly known as the Ayushman Card. This card serves as your golden ticket to availing benefits under PMJAY.
What’s Covered under PMJAY? A Spectrum of Healthcare Benefits
PMJAY offers a wide range of medical benefits, empowering beneficiaries to seek quality treatment without financial worries. Here’s a glimpse of what’s included:
- Hospitalization Expenses: The scheme covers hospitalization costs for a defined set of medical procedures, including surgeries, therapies, and diagnostic tests. This significantly reduces the financial burden associated with in-patient care.
- Pre and Post Hospitalization Care: PMJAY goes beyond just hospitalization. It also covers pre-hospitalization expenses for diagnostics and post-hospitalization care for a specific period.
- Broad Medical Coverage: The scheme offers coverage for a vast array of medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and more. This ensures access to specialized treatment for a wide range of illnesses.
- Cashless Transactions: One of the biggest advantages of PMJAY is the cashless transaction system. You don’t need to pay upfront at empanelled hospitals; the scheme settles the bills directly with the healthcare providers.
Remember: It’s crucial to choose a hospital empanelled under PMJAY to avail cashless benefits. You can find a list of empanelled hospitals on the PMJAY website or the UMANG app.
