SynopsisThe Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is expanding healthcare access, with 6 crore senior citizens enrolled and over 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational. This government-funded scheme offers cashless coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens.ET OnlineAyushman Bharat card: Eligibility, benefits, documents required & how to apply online. (AI-generated image)Affordable healthcare is reaching more households than ever before. According to government data, as many as 6 crore senior citizens have been enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), while more than 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across the country. Subsidised medicines through these initiatives have reportedly helped citizens save over Rs 40,000 crore.If you are wondering whether you or your family members are eligible for PM-JAY benefits, here's what you need to know.What is PM-JAY?AB-PMJAY is a government-funded health insurance scheme that provides cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.Launched on September 23, 2018, the scheme aims to improve access to healthcare by enabling eligible beneficiaries to receive treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals without making out-of-pocket payments.Also read: Rs 7 lakh life insurance cover at zero premium, which very few EPF members are aware of; check how to claim when neededWho is eligible for an Ayushman Card?Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above is eligible for coverage under the scheme, irrespective of income level or existing health insurance coverage. Even beneficiaries covered under government healthcare schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) can opt for Ayushman Bharat coverage.According to the government, there is no cap on family size or the age of family members covered under the scheme. Pre-existing diseases are also covered from the first day of enrolment.What are the benefits provided under the PM-JAY scheme?AB PM-JAY provides a cashless cover of up to Rs 5,00,000/- to each eligible family per annum for listed secondary and tertiary care conditions. The scheme covers:Medical examination, treatment, and consultationPre-hospitalisationMedicine and medical consumablesNon-intensive and intensive care servicesDiagnostic and laboratory investigationsMedical implantation services (where necessary)Accommodation benefitsFood servicesComplications arising during treatmentPost-hospitalisation follow-up care up to 15 daysDocuments required for Ayushman CardTo obtain an Ayushman Card, the following documents are listed:Aadhaar CardRation CardMobile NumberPassport-size PhotographAlso read: Why Rs 1 crore term insurance cover in 2026 may not be enough for many familiesAdditional documents that may help:e-Shram CardLabour CardOther government identification cardsHow to apply online for an Ayushman card?Eligible individuals can apply online through the PM-JAY beneficiary portal by following these steps:Visit the official beneficiary portal.Select the "Beneficiary" option on the login page.Enter your mobile number and verify it using the OTP received.Select PM-JAY under the scheme section.Choose your state and district.Search for your details using the available search options, including Aadhaar.Complete the verification process by uploading the required photograph and providing details such as the PIN code and OTP.Submit the application.Applicants can check the status of their application by logging in again after approximately 24 hours. (Join our ETWealth WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...more