Ayushman Bharat Update: Which diseases will the add-on scheme cover and who will get Ayushman Card?

PMJAY Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens: The central government has introduced a significant benefit for the elderly population of India. Now, individuals aged 70 and above are also covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). This scheme, which offers free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, is the largest publicly funded health benefit program in the world. To take advantage of this scheme, eligible individuals need to apply for and obtain an Ayushman Card. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of this scheme and how to get your card.

What benefits will the elderly receive? 

Under this scheme, Ayushman cardholders get free treatment for a range of major diseases. Beneficiaries can access cashless and paperless health services at over 29,000 hospitals across the country. The government provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Which diseases are covered?  

Eligible individuals under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana can receive free treatment for various diseases, including serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, COVID-19, cataracts, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and joint replacements. Although the initial list included 1,760 types of diseases, 196 conditions were later removed from the treatment list for private hospitals. These conditions included cataracts, surgical deliveries, and malaria. However, beneficiaries can still receive treatment for these diseases at government hospitals.

Can I get surgery done?  

The Ayushman Yojana also covers surgeries for the elderly, such as prostate cancer surgery, double valve replacement, coronary artery bypass, pulmonary valve replacement, knee and hip replacements, skull base surgery, tissue expanders, pediatric surgery, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and angioplasty with stent. These surgeries can be performed at any private hospital listed under the scheme.

What Amit Chhabra, CBO - General Insurance, Policybazaar.com said?

Amit Chhabra, CBO - General Insurance, Policybazaar.com said "Expanding health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, regardless of their socio-economic status, is a landmark decision in creating a more inclusive and fair healthcare system in India.  This move will fill a critical gap in India’s healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that senior citizens—who are a growing segment and currently constitute 10.5% of the country’s population—are not left without support during their most vulnerable years."

"Healthcare costs can be a significant financial burden, especially for older adults in India who may already be dealing with age-related health issues. This initiative by the Government of India is expected to benefit 6.5 crore families across the country, many of whom belong to the underserved 'missing middle' population. The program offers a Rs 5 lakh annual floater health coverage per family, helping to cover both secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations, he ad

How to obtain an Ayushman Card 

To get an Ayushman Card, first check your eligibility by visiting the official website [https://pmjay.gov.in/](https://pmjay.gov.in/). On the homepage, select the 'Am I Eligible' option and follow the steps to verify your eligibility. Alternatively, you can check your eligibility by calling the toll-free number 14555.

Process to Obtain the Card 

If you are eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, you need to apply at a Common Service Center (CSC). You will need to provide documents such as your Aadhaar card, PAN card, driver’s license, voter ID, or any other government-issued identity card. Once you apply, you can track and download your Ayushman Card online.

Important Information 

Following the decision to include the elderly, it’s important to note that all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for benefits under this scheme, regardless of their social or economic status. If a family member is already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and there is an elderly person aged 70 or above in the same family, that elderly person will receive separate coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.