The government of India’s flagship health insurance programme — Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM‑JAY) — is offering major relief for millions of families by providing free or cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year. This initiative aims to reduce the burden of rising healthcare costs and protect economically vulnerable groups.

What Is the Free Treatment Scheme?

The Ayushman Bharat‑PM‑JAY is India’s largest public healthcare insurance scheme. It provides eligible families with cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalisation and medical care at empanelled government and private hospitals.

This cover is meant to ease the financial stress of expensive treatments — such as surgeries, critical care, and serious illnesses — and ensure that the poor and needy can access quality medical services.

Who Is Eligible for This Free Treatment?

1. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

Under various government rules, families classified as Economically Weaker Section (EWS) (based on income and official criteria) can benefit from ₹5 lakh free treatment cover. Recent policy changes have raised the annual income ceiling to ₹5 lakh to qualify for free treatment at select private hospitals in delhi and similar schemes elsewhere.

2. Senior Citizens (70 + Years)

People aged 70 years and older can access cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, regardless of income. This benefit is offered under an extension known as the ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana Card’, providing free hospitalisation treatment including surgeries and ICU care.

3. Mandated Beneficiaries Under PM‑JAY

The central scheme covers millions of families identified through socio‑economic databases (based on poverty, deprivation and official criteria). These beneficiaries receive health insurance support for hospitalisation and secondary or tertiary medical care.

What Does the ₹5 Lakh Coverage Include?

The scheme covers:

• Hospitalisation costs (including room charges and ICU)
• Pre‑ and post‑hospitalisation expenses
• Surgery expenses
• Diagnostic tests
• Treatment for critical or chronic diseases

The cover is cashless and paperless at empanelled hospitals. This means eligible beneficiaries don’t have to pay from their pocket at the time of treatment.

State‑Specific Enhancements and Extensions

Delhi’s Enhanced Free Treatment Benefit

The delhi government has expanded access by increasing the EWS income limit to ₹5 lakh for free treatment at partner private hospitals. This expands eligibility for families across income groups up to this threshold.

Pilot and State Schemes

Several states are running complementary or expanded health insurance schemes:

• Punjab’s ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ offers up to ₹10 lakh free cashless treatment for residents.
• Similar coverage expansions and benefits for older citizens and low‑income groups are being implemented at the state level.

How to Apply or Get the Ayushman Card

Step‑by‑Step

Check Eligibility: Use your socio‑economic details or age criteria (70+) to check if you qualify.

Apply Online: Visit the official PM‑JAY portal or the Ayushman Bharat app.

Download or Generate Ayushman Card: Once your profile is validated, you receive an Ayushman Card or Vay Vandana Card (for seniors), which you can show at empanelled hospitals.

Seek Treatment: Present your card at the hospital reception for treatment. services are mostly cashless.

Why This Scheme Matters

Medical costs in india can be a significant financial burden for low‑ and middle‑income families. Government‑sponsored health insurance like Ayushman Bharat provides a safety net, preventing people from falling into debt due to medical expenses. It strengthens public health security and supports vulnerable populations, including senior citizens.

Important Tips Before You Apply

• Ensure your name and details are correctly listed in the beneficiary database.
• The scheme’s hospital list of empanelled facilities is available online and at health centres.
• Check whether your income or age category qualifies under the latest policy thresholds.

Conclusion: A Big Relief for Millions

The Government’s free treatment scheme offering up to ₹5 lakh in cover is an important step toward affordable and accessible healthcare in India. Whether you are a low‑income family, a senior citizen, or someone seeking financial protection from high medical costs, this scheme can provide substantial support — often cashless at the point of care.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.