> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: free health cover of Rs 5 lakh a year for poor families and seniors - URL: https://newsanek.com/ayushman-bharat-pm-jay-health-cover/ - Published: 2026-11-07T05:24:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-07T07:20:16.000Z - Description: PM-JAY gives eligible families Rs 5 lakh a year for hospital care at empanelled hospitals, with no cash payment. Senior citizens aged 70 and above can also get cover. Here is who qualifies and how to check. - Author: Kumar Ujjwal - Tags: Govt Schemes, #scheme-health, #scheme-for-poor, #scheme-for-senior-citizen, #scheme-all-india Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check. __At a glance__ | Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) | | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India | | Benefit | Rs 5 lakh a year per family for hospital treatment, and Rs 5 lakh a year for senior citizens aged 70 and above | | Who can apply | Poor and vulnerable families listed in the eligibility criteria, and all citizens aged 70 and above | | How it is given | Cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals | | Apply at | pmjay.gov.in, an Ayushman Mitra at a hospital, or a Common Service Centre (CSC) | | Cost to apply | Free | ### Key points - Rs 5 lakh cover per family every year for hospital treatment. - Treatment is cashless at empanelled hospitals, both public and private. - Senior citizens aged 70 and above are covered regardless of income. - Eligibility is based on the Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 criteria. ## So what exactly do you get? Eligible families get cover of Rs 5 lakh per family every year. This money pays for hospital treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals. The treatment is cashless. You do not pay the hospital, and there is no paperwork for money. All pre-existing medical conditions are covered. The cover includes 3 days before hospital admission and 15 days after discharge, including diagnostic tests and medicines. The cover is portable. You can get treatment at any PM-JAY hospital in India, not only in your own state. Amounts and packages can change, so please confirm the current figures on the official site. ## Who can apply, and who cannot? The scheme is meant for poor and vulnerable families. Eligibility is based on the Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 criteria. There is no limit on family size, age or gender once your family is eligible. All citizens aged 70 years and above can apply, whatever their income. Their cover is separate from the family cover. Some states have their own health schemes and have not joined PM-JAY. Check with your state government if you are unsure. Families with a government employee or an income taxpayer may not qualify under the census rules. Check the official criteria before you apply. ## Why was this scheme started, and what has changed? The scheme was first announced in the 2018 Union budget. It was launched on 23 September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. It is run by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is jointly funded by the Centre and the states. In September 2024 the scheme was extended to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The aim is to protect families from high medical bills that push them into poverty. ## What documents should you keep ready? Keep your Aadhaar card, or another ID the scheme accepts. Keep your ration card or the family details from the census list, if you have them. Keep your mobile number, because OTP is often used to verify you. For senior citizens, keep proof of age, such as your Aadhaar card or a birth certificate. ## How do you apply online, step by step? Go to pmjay.gov.in and open the section to check eligibility or register. Enter your mobile number, state and Aadhaar or ration card details, then verify with OTP. Check your name in the beneficiary list. Your eligibility will show if you are on the list. If you are eligible, you can get your Ayushman card made through the portal or an Ayushman Mitra. How to apply for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY online 1. *1* **Check eligibility**Go to pmjay.gov.in and open the section to check eligibility or register. 2. *2* **Enter your details**Add your mobile number, state and Aadhaar or ration card details, then verify with OTP. 3. *3* **Check beneficiary list**Look for your name in the beneficiary list. Your eligibility shows if you are on it. 4. *4* **Get your Ayushman card**If eligible, get your Ayushman card through the portal or an Ayushman Mitra. Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report ## Can you apply offline, and how? Yes. You can go to a Common Service Centre, and the staff will help you check and register. You can also visit an Ayushman Mitra desk at an empanelled hospital for help. Carry your Aadhaar card and ration card when you visit. ## How do you check your status, and what if treatment is refused? Use the portal to check whether your name is in the beneficiary list. If a hospital refuses treatment under PM-JAY, call the helpline and report it. Never pay an agent who promises a card for money. Official registration is free. ## Helpline, complaints and important tips You can call the PM-JAY helpline on 14555 or 1800-111-565. Use only the official website, pmjay.gov.in, to avoid fraud. Always ask the hospital to confirm that the treatment is under PM-JAY before admission. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a limit on family size or age? No. Once a family is eligible, there is no limit on family size, age or gender. ### Are pre-existing conditions covered? Yes. All pre-existing medical conditions are covered under the scheme. ### Can I get treatment outside my state? Yes. The scheme is portable, so you can use any PM-JAY empanelled hospital in India. ### Is there a fee to register? No. Registration is free. Avoid agents who ask for money. ### Can senior citizens get cover if they have other insurance? Yes. Senior citizens with insurance from other government schemes or private insurers can also be covered. ### Official links - [Official website](https://pmjay.gov.in/?ref=newsanek.com) This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.