1. Introduction
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of India’s most ambitious healthcare reforms aimed at providing universal health coverage to the underprivileged. Launched in 2018 by the Government of India, it ensures financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare services. In 2025, the scheme has received a major overhaul to include senior citizens aged 70+, gig workers, and more medical services.
2. Objectives of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- Provide cashless and paperless healthcare access to vulnerable families.
- Reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- Empower citizens by offering choice of public/private hospitals.
- Enhance access to quality healthcare, especially in rural and backward regions.
- Promote preventive and promotive health.
3. Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Card 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Limit | ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Target Group | 12+ crore families based on SECC 2011 |
| Coverage | Hospitalization, pre & post-treatment |
| Hospital Network | 25,000+ empaneled hospitals |
| Payment | Fully cashless |
| Mode | Paperless digital transactions |
| ID Required | Aadhaar, Ayushman Card, or ABHA number |
| Availability | Nationwide |
New in 2025:
- Extended to gig workers, delivery agents, app-based drivers
- Senior citizens (70+) eligible regardless of income
- Introduction of ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) linking
4. Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility is determined through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and specific occupational categories.
A. Rural Families
Eligible if:
- Lives in a kuchha house with 1 or no rooms
- No adult (16–59 years) in the family
- Women-led family with no male members
- Disabled member with no able-bodied support
- Landless households earning daily wages
- SC/ST families
B. Urban Families
Eligible if part of 11 pre-defined occupations:
- Ragpickers
- Domestic workers
- Construction workers
- Street vendors
- Rickshaw pullers
- Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, etc.
C. Additional Categories (2025)
- Senior Citizens aged 70+
- Gig Workers (Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber)
- ASHA and Anganwadi Workers
5. Exclusion Criteria
Households are excluded if they:
- Own motor vehicles or agricultural machinery
- Own more than 5 acres of agricultural land
- Have government employees
- Own refrigerators, landline phones, or large TV sets
- Have income tax filers or pay professional tax
- Hold Kisan Credit Cards with credit limit above ₹50,000
6. Registration Process
A. Online Registration
- Visit https://pmjay.gov.in
- Click on “Am I Eligible” tab
- Enter your mobile number and OTP
- Search by name, ration card, Aadhaar, or Family ID
- If eligible, register and download your Ayushman Card
B. Offline Registration
- Visit nearby CSC center or empaneled hospital
- Submit your documents (Aadhaar, ration card, etc.)
- Registration officer will assist in generating your card
- Receive printed or digital Ayushman Bharat Card
7. Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Voter ID or Family ID
- Mobile Number
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photograph
8. How to Download Ayushman Card
- Go to: https://bis.pmjay.gov.in
- Click Beneficiary Identification System
- Login with mobile number or Aadhaar
- Download the Ayushman e-card in PDF
9. Treatment Coverage & Healthcare Services
The scheme covers:
- Hospitalization
- Pre-hospitalization (3 days)
- Post-hospitalization (15 days)
- Medicines and diagnostics
- ICU and OT charges
- Complications during surgery
- Follow-up care
10. List of Diseases Covered Under PM-JAY
- Heart diseases (Bypass, Stents, etc.)
- Kidney dialysis and transplant
- Cancer (Chemotherapy, Radiation)
- Knee and hip replacements
- Neurological surgeries
- Maternity and delivery
- Burns and trauma care
- ENT, eye, and dental surgeries
11. Hospital Network
- 25,000+ empaneled hospitals across India
- Includes government and private hospitals
- Find hospitals here: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
Check before admission if the hospital accepts Ayushman Bharat Card.
12. State-wise Implementation
Some states have their own health schemes integrated with PM-JAY:
| State | Scheme Name |
|---|---|
| Gujarat | Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana |
| Odisha | Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana |
| Tamil Nadu | CMCHIS |
| Kerala | Karunya Arogya Suraksha |
| Assam | Atal Amrit Abhiyan |
13. Special Beneficiaries in 2025
A. Senior Citizens (70+)
- No income cap
- Special “Ayushman Vay Vandana Card”
- Priority access in hospitals
- Missed call service: 1800-11-0770
B. Gig Workers
- Delivery agents, app-based drivers, freelancers
- Target: 1 crore gig workers covered
- Auto-enrollment through gig platforms expected
14. ABHA Integration
- Each beneficiary gets a 14-digit ABHA ID
- Links medical records, diagnostics, treatment
- Available on https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in
- Helps in faster treatment and digital tracking
15. How to Check Your Name in the List
- Visit: https://pmjay.gov.in
- Click “Am I Eligible”
- Search by Aadhaar, mobile number, or ration card
- If found, download e-card and visit nearest hospital
16. Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name not showing | Try alternative spellings or use Aadhaar |
| Card not downloading | Use BIS portal or visit CSC center |
| Hospital denying service | Report to Ayushman Mitra or call helpline |
| Technical errors | Call 14555 or email [email protected] |
17. Success Stories and Impact
- Over 5 crore hospital admissions done
- Over ₹60,000+ crore worth of claims processed
- Major impact in cancer, heart, maternity care
- Helped poor families avoid medical bankruptcy
- Boosted rural healthcare demand and infrastructure
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Ayushman Bharat completely free?
Yes, the scheme is 100% government-funded and requires no payment from the beneficiary.
Q2: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
While recommended, it is not compulsory; other IDs may be accepted.
Q3: Can I use the card in any state?
Yes, the scheme is portability-enabled, valid in any empaneled hospital in India.
Q4: What if my name is not in the list?
Visit CSC or call helpline to verify eligibility and file appeal if needed.
Q5: How to renew my card?
No renewal needed. Once generated, it is valid permanently unless eligibility changes.
19. Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2025 is a game-changer in India’s healthcare journey. With its massive expansion in eligibility and services, it is ensuring that no citizen is deprived of life-saving healthcare due to financial constraints. From gig workers to elderly citizens, from rural farmers to urban laborers – everyone can now access top-quality treatment without worrying about costs.
