Opening story about real Indian citizen: Meet Sunita, a 72-year-old grandmother from Punjab, who was struggling to pay for her husband's medical treatment. Her husband, a retired farmer, was diagnosed with a heart condition that required immediate surgery. With a limited pension of ₹15,000 per month, Sunita was finding it difficult to manage the expenses. However, after applying for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, she was able to get her husband treated at a private hospital in Chandigarh, with the government covering up to ₹5 lakh of the medical expenses. This yojana has been a game-changer for Sunita and her family, providing them with financial relief and access to quality healthcare.
What is Ayushman Bharat?
Ayushman Bharat is a government scheme launched in 2018, aimed at providing health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable families in India. The scheme provides a cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme is designed to provide financial protection to families against catastrophic health expenditures, and to promote access to quality healthcare services. In 2024, the government has introduced new rules to extend the benefits of the scheme to senior citizens above 70 years of age.
The scheme is being implemented through a network of public and private hospitals, including district hospitals, medical colleges, and private hospitals empaneled under the scheme. The scheme also provides for a range of health services, including doctor consultations, diagnostics, medications, and hospitalization. The labh of the scheme can be availed by beneficiaries at any of the empaneled hospitals, without having to pay any out-of-pocket expenses.
The aavedan process for the scheme is simple and hassle-free. Beneficiaries can apply online through the official website, or through a network of common service centers (CSCs) located across the country. The patr required for the application include a valid Aadhaar card, ration card, and bank account details. The dastaveez required for the application can be uploaded online, or submitted in person at a CSC.
Key Benefits
- Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
- Coverage for pre-existing diseases, after a waiting period of 3 years
- Coverage for hospitalization expenses, including doctor consultations, diagnostics, medications, and hospitalization
- Access to a network of public and private hospitals, including district hospitals, medical colleges, and private hospitals empaneled under the scheme
- No cap on the age of beneficiaries, with senior citizens above 70 years of age eligible for the scheme
Who Can Apply? — Eligibility
- Families living below the poverty line (BPL), as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011
- Families with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh
- Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) families
- Families with a disabled member, or a member suffering from a chronic disease
- Solo senior citizens, above 70 years of age, with an annual income of less than ₹2 lakh
Required Documents (Dastaveez)
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Bank account details
- Income certificate
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Medical certificate, if applicable
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Visit the official website of the Ayushman Bharat scheme
- Click on the "Apply Online" button
- Enter your Aadhaar number and other personal details
- Upload the required documents, including income certificate and bank account details
- Pay the registration fee of ₹30, using a debit/credit card or net banking
- Download and print the application form, for future reference
How to Apply Offline
- Visit a common service center (CSC) located near your residence
- Submit the required documents, including Aadhaar card, ration card, and income certificate
- Fill up the application form, with the help of a CSC operator
- Pay the registration fee of ₹30, in cash
- Collect the application form, and keep it safe for future reference
Pro Tips — Don't Miss These!
- Make sure to apply for the scheme before the deadline, to avoid any last-minute rush
- Use a valid email ID and mobile number, to receive updates on the status of your application
- Keep all the required documents ready, before starting the application process, to avoid any delays or rejections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not uploading the required documents, or uploading incorrect documents
- Not paying the registration fee, or paying an incorrect amount
- Not filling up the application form correctly, or leaving out important details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coverage amount under the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The coverage amount under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Can I apply for the scheme if I am already covered under another health insurance scheme?
Yes, you can apply for the scheme, even if you are already covered under another health insurance scheme. However, you will need to provide details of your existing coverage, and the benefits will be adjusted accordingly.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application, by logging into your account on the official website, or by contacting the helpline number.
Can I use the benefits of the scheme at any hospital?
No, the benefits of the scheme can only be availed at hospitals empaneled under the scheme. You can find a list of empaneled hospitals on the official website.
How can I get my hospital bill reimbursed under the scheme?
You can get your hospital bill reimbursed under the scheme, by submitting the original bill and other supporting documents to the insurance company. The reimbursement amount will be credited to your bank account, within 15 days of submission of the claim.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a revolutionary initiative by the government, aimed at providing health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable families in India. With the new rules introduced in 2024, senior citizens above 70 years of age can now avail the benefits of the scheme, with coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. If you are a senior citizen, or have a family member who is eligible for the scheme, we encourage you to apply now and take advantage of this labh. You can check your eligibility and apply online, by visiting the official website, or by contacting a CSC operator near you. For more information, you can visit JanSevaPlus.in and check your eligibility today.