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Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) card rejected / not eligible

Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) card rejected / not eligible — RTI Wiki

Quick Reply: Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) eligibility is driven by SECC 2011 deprivation list (rural) / occupational categories (urban). If not listed: state-supplementary schemes (CMCHIS in TN, MJPJAY in MH, ABRY in WB, etc.) cover most of the gap. Sept 2024 expansion: senior 70+ auto-eligible regardless of income. RTI for SECC 2011 listing.

Top reasons for rejection

7-step recovery checklist

  1. Verify SECC 2011 listing — beneficiary.nha.gov.in → search by name + state. Note ration card number too.
  2. If not in SECC — try state scheme — TN: CMCHIS · MH: MJPJAY · KA: ABARK · WB: ABRY · KL: KASP · etc. Convergence with PMJAY in 28 states.
  3. Senior 70+ — apply via beneficiary.nha.gov.in — Sept 2024 norm. Aadhaar + age proof (passport / 10th cert / pension order).
  4. Aadhaar name mismatch fix — Update Aadhaar to match SECC name OR vice-versa. SECC corrections via State Health Agency.
  5. In wrong family's card — Visit nearest CSC / Ayushman Mitra. Remove from old family, add to current.
  6. Hospital denied cashless — NHA grievance portal: pmjay.gov.in/grievances → 7-day disposal. Or call 14555.
  7. Appeal to State Health Agency — Each state has SHA. Free. Cite PMJAY operational guidelines.
  8. RTI to NHA + SHA — For: SECC ranking, exclusion rationale, hospital empanelment status.

Appeal route, window, and fee

Documents to fix or upgrade

File an RTI in parallel — most rejections clear within 15 days

Government rejection orders often lack actual rationale. RTI brings out the file noting + officer name + actual basis — and that visibility usually resolves the case. Use this template:

1. Copy of the rejection order + complete file noting on application no. _____ dated _____.
2. Name + designation of the officer who took the rejection decision.
3. Specific Section / Rule / Circular under which rejection was made + supporting evidence relied upon.
4. Number of similar applications in the past 12 months that were (a) approved, (b) rejected — for the same officer.
5. The procedure + timeline for filing an appeal + the office of the appellate authority.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Re-apply guide: How to apply for ayushman bharat

Track your application status: Status check guide

Frequently asked questions

SECC 2011 doesn't reflect current poverty. Update?

SECC 2021 census data not yet released as official deprivation list. Use state schemes meantime.

I have private insurance + PMJAY — both work?

Yes — PMJAY is supplementary. Private covers OPD/elective; PMJAY covers IP-emergency at Rs 5L.

Pre-existing illness — covered from day 1?

Yes — no waiting period under PMJAY.

Hospital said "not empanelled today" — fix?

Empanelment can pause for compliance. Try another empanelled hospital OR pay + claim reimbursement (limited under PMJAY).

SHA rejected appeal — final option?

NHA + Health Ministry. Critical illness: writ to HC under Article 21.

Summary + what to do next

Quick Reply: Don't accept a rejection at face value — request the file noting via RTI, fix the underlying document gap, and file the statutory appeal within 30 days at each level. Most rejections reverse with corrected documents.

Sources