Table of Contents
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) — Rs 5 lakh/year health cover free (2026)
Rs 5 lakh per family per year cashless at 30,000+ empanelled hospitals — free, no premium.
Launched: 2018 · Issued by: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare / National Health Authority
Who is eligible
- SECC 2011 deprivation list (rural) OR occupational categories (urban)
- Senior 70+ — auto-eligible since September 2024 (any income)
- Aadhaar + ration card or occupational ID
- NOT eligible if all family members in formal sector with private insurance
What you get
Rs 5 lakh per family per year at 30,000+ empanelled hospitals. Coverage: 1,393 packages including cancer, cardiology, neurology, joint replacement, dialysis, NICU/PICU. No waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Cashless and paperless.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Verify eligibility at beneficiary.nha.gov.in — Search by name + state + Aadhaar / ration card.
- Get Ayushman card — CSC, empanelled hospital, or Ayushman Mitra desk.
- Aadhaar verification + photo + biometric — Each family member separately.
- PVC or e-card issued same-day — Carry to any empanelled hospital for cashless treatment.
- Walk in to empanelled hospital — Show card + Aadhaar; hospital auto-bills NHA.
- Treatment cashless — No upfront payment; NHA reimburses hospital.
Documents needed
- Aadhaar
- Ration card / SECC 2011 ID
- Age proof (for 70+ extension)
Full document checklist: Documents required for ayushman bharat card
Timeline
Card issuance: same-day. Cashless treatment: on-the-spot at empanelled hospitals.
Portal + helpline
- Official portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Helpline: PMJAY: 14555 / 1800-111-565
- Track status: How to check status
- Step-by-step apply guide: How-to-apply walkthrough
Common issues
- SECC 2011 list missing your name — apply for state-supplementary scheme (CMCHIS, MJPJAY, ABRY etc.).
- Aadhaar mismatch with SECC — name spelling differs; update Aadhaar.
- Hospital not empanelled — use list at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
- Cashless denied at empanelled hospital — file complaint at pmjay.gov.in/grievances.
Benefit delayed or rejected? File an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
More schemes for you: All senior citizens schemes
Frequently asked questions
Senior 70+ — really income-free?
Yes — September 2024 expansion. Apply with just Aadhaar + age proof.
Pre-existing illness covered?
Yes — no waiting period. Covered from day 1.
Can I use across states?
Yes — pan-India empanelled hospitals. Cashless treatment everywhere.
OPD covered?
No — only in-patient. OPD covered separately under Ayushman Arogya Mandir at PHC/SHC.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: Rs 5 lakh per family per year cashless at 30,000+ empanelled hospitals — free, no premium. Apply at beneficiary.nha.gov.in. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- Apply now: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Step-by-step guide: Apply walkthrough
- Documents needed: Required documents
- Track existing application: Status check
- If delayed — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Browse all 150 yojanas: Sarkari Yojana index
Related
Sources
- Official portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Issued by: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare / National Health Authority
- Launched: 2018
- Citizen feedback via %%AwaazRTI%% (composite, identifying details removed)
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

