Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), launched by the Government of India in 2018, aims to provide free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year per family to millions of economically vulnerable citizens. While the scheme offers comprehensive medical benefits, not everyone is eligible to avail of this service. Here’s what you need to know before applying.
What Is PM Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
The Ayushman Yojana is a flagship health scheme under the Ayushman Bharat Mission, designed to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on low-income families. It covers hospitalization costs, pre- and post-treatment care, and even major surgeries — free of charge at empaneled public and private hospitals across the country.
Who Is Not Eligible for the Scheme?
Despite its vast reach, the scheme excludes several categories of individuals based on economic status and asset ownership. Here are the criteria that make applicants ineligible:
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Asset Ownership:
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Ownership of two-, three-, or four-wheelers, motorboats, or fishing boats.
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Possession of mechanical agricultural equipment.
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Holding a Kisan Credit Card with a limit of ₹50,000 or more.
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Employment and Income:
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Individuals working in government jobs or government-run non-agricultural businesses.
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Households with a monthly income above ₹10,000.
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Property and Living Standards:
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Households with 5 acres or more of agricultural land.
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Ownership of a landline telephone.
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Living in a pucca (concrete) house.
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These exclusions help the scheme target only the most economically vulnerable families, ensuring resources are directed to those who need them most.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme primarily covers:
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Families listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database.
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People with no income, manual laborers, migrant workers, street vendors, homeless persons, and others from the economically weaker sections (EWS).
To check if your family is eligible, you can visit the official website: https://mera.pmjay.gov.in and search using your mobile number, ration card, or Aadhaar card.
Why Eligibility Verification Matters
Before applying for PM-JAY, it’s important to verify your eligibility. Applying without meeting the criteria will result in rejection of the application and potential disappointment. Verifying eligibility also ensures that only those truly in need can access these critical healthcare benefits.
Key Benefits of PM-JAY:
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₹5 lakh health insurance per family per year.
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Coverage for over 1,500 medical procedures.
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No enrollment or premium cost for beneficiaries.
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Cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
