Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) — How to Check Eligibility and Use It
In this guide
Step-by-step Process
Check Your Eligibility
PMJAY covers approximately 12 crore poor and vulnerable families (roughly 55 crore individuals) identified through SECC 2011 data and state government lists. Eligibility includes: rural families in specific deprivation categories, urban workers in listed occupations (ragpickers, domestic workers, street vendors, etc.). Visit pmjay.gov.in → "Am I Eligible" and enter your mobile/ration card/name to check.
Get Your Ayushman Card
If eligible, get an Ayushman Card (formerly e-Card/Golden Card). Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), government hospital, or health department office. Carry Aadhaar card and ration card. Biometric verification is done on-site. The card is issued free of charge. You can also download it from pmjay.gov.in or via the Ayushman app.
Find Empanelled Hospitals
PMJAY is cashless and paperless at all empanelled hospitals (both public and private). To find hospitals: visit pmjay.gov.in → "Find Hospital" or use the Ayushman Bharat app. Over 25,000 hospitals across India are empanelled. Treatment covers 1,949 medical packages including surgeries, day-care procedures, ICU stays, and medicines.
Avail Treatment — Cashless Process
At the empanelled hospital, visit the Ayushman Mitra/Help Desk. Show your Ayushman Card + Aadhaar for verification. The hospital raises the pre-authorization request to the insurer/TPA. Treatment is provided cashless — you pay nothing (no room rent, no medicine cost, no surgery cost) up to ₹5 lakh per year per family. The ₹5 lakh limit resets every year.
Documents Required
- ✓Aadhaar card
- ✓Ration card (for eligibility verification)
- ✓Ayushman Card (once obtained)
- ✓SECC 2011 inclusion certificate (if available)
Official Government Portals
Common Questions
Is PMJAY available in all states?
PMJAY is implemented in most states and UTs. Some states like Odisha (which has its own scheme — BSKY), West Bengal, and Delhi have opted out or run parallel schemes. Check pmjay.gov.in for the latest list of participating states and their equivalents.
Can I use PMJAY in any state, not just my home state?
Yes. PMJAY is portable across India. You can use your Ayushman Card at any empanelled hospital anywhere in the country. This is particularly helpful for migrant workers who live away from their home state.
Does PMJAY cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes. Unlike private insurance, PMJAY covers pre-existing conditions from day one with no waiting period. Diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cancer are all covered as long as they fall under the 1,949 listed treatment packages.
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