Central government scheme · Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (run by the National Health Authority)

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Also called AB PM-JAY

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is for poor and vulnerable families, and every person aged 70 or above. Beneficiaries get free, cashless hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh a year per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care at empanelled public and private hospitals. To apply, check eligibility and make an Ayushman card on the Ayushman App or the NHA beneficiary portal, go to a nearby empanelled hospital or a Common Service Centre, or apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card through the same channels if aged 70 or above.

Written by AI from the official details below.

Apply on beneficiary.nha.gov.in

Who can apply for AB PM-JAY

  • Poor and vulnerable families identified from the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (rural deprivation and urban occupational criteria); the base was revised to about 12 crore families in 2022.
  • States and UTs may verify families from other databases of similar profile, and many have added families at their own cost.
  • ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers and their families (added in 2024).
  • Every person aged 70 or above, whatever their income (Ayushman Vay Vandana card, from 29 October 2024).
  • People aged 70+ with private health insurance or ESI can also enrol; those in CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF must choose one scheme.
  • No limit on family size or age; pre-existing illnesses are covered from day one.

AB PM-JAY benefits

  • Cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care at empanelled public and private hospitals.
  • Covers medicines, tests, implants, ICU, food and stay in hospital, 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses.
  • Over 1,900 treatment packages across 27 specialties, including cancer, heart surgery, dialysis and joint replacement.
  • A person aged 70+ in a family already covered gets a separate top-up of up to ₹5 lakh a year that is not shared with younger family members.
  • Other people aged 70+ get up to ₹5 lakh a year on a family basis.
  • Portable: treatment at any empanelled hospital in any state.

How to apply for AB PM-JAY

  1. Check eligibility and make an Ayushman card on the Ayushman App or the NHA beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in).
  2. Or go to a nearby empanelled hospital or a Common Service Centre to verify identity and get the card made.
  3. People aged 70+ apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card through the same app, portal, hospital or CSC.
  4. At an empanelled hospital, show the Ayushman card; treatment is cashless and the hospital claims payment.

Where it applies

Every state and union territory. See what else applies near you

Checked

Checked against the sources below on 16 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you apply.

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