Ayushman Bharat Diwas: What PM-JAY offers and who can use it

edexlive.com

Ayushman Bharat runs through two main components. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health insurance cover for secondary and tertiary care. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, earlier called Health and Wellness Centres, expand primary healthcare through screenings, basic treatment, free essential drugs, diagnostic services, and preventive care across rural and urban areas.

Eligibility is based on deprivation and occupational criteria drawn from the Socio-Economic Caste Census. The scheme targets economically vulnerable families. Beneficiaries receive a defined annual cover per family for hospitalisation across empanelled public and private hospitals.

PM-JAY covers listed hospitalisation expenses such as treatment, surgery, medicines, diagnostics, room charges, ICU care, and follow-up care up to 15 days after discharge. Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one. The cover is ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year on a family floater basis.

Access depends on verification and hospital selection. A beneficiary checks eligibility through official portals or help centres, gets identified at an empanelled hospital, and receives treatment without upfront payment under approved packages. Knowing empanelled hospitals in advance reduces delays during emergencies.

edexlive.com