West Bengal Reintroduces Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

West Bengal is bringing back the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This scheme provides cashless health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh per family each year. All senior citizens aged 70 and above can now apply for this coverage. The government aims to ease the burden of medical expenses for its citizens.

The newly elected government of West Bengal, led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This policy gives a cashless health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. All senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income status, are also eligible for this coverage.

West Bengal had earlier implemented the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) from September 23, 2018, to January 10, 2019. However, the state later withdrew the scheme.

Now people in West Bengal can apply for the PMJAY scheme and avail its benefits.

What is AB-PMJAY?

AB-PMJAY provides healthcare coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care services and hospitalization to enrolled socio-economically deprived families, saving them from high medical bills. The scheme provides cashless treatment across empanelled government-funded and private hospitals.

The AB-PMJAY scheme is fully funded by the government and the respective state or the union territory government, both sharing the costs of implementation.

The union government’s budget estimates for the AB-PMJAY scheme have increased over the last few years, with a budget of Rs 9,406 crore estimated for 2025-26.

How to check if you are an AB-PMJAY beneficiary?

To check if you are a beneficiary of the AB-PMJAY scheme, you can login on its official website using your mobile number. If you are already a beneficiary of the scheme, please login using your member id on the self service portal.

How to apply for the scheme through the AB-PMJAY mobile app

Applicants can also use the Ayushman Bharat App, available free on Google Play Store. After downloading the app, register using your Aadhaar details and follow the guided steps to apply. Once approved, a digital Ayushman card can be downloaded directly from the portal or the app.

Ayushman card: Are you eligible?

Every Indian citizen aged 70 years or above is eligible, regardless of their income level or current health insurance coverage. To apply, download the Ayushman app or visit the official PM-JAY portal. Complete your Aadhaar-based e-KYC and download the digital card. The entire process is online and does not require physical document submission or a proof of income.

Which are the medical expenses covered under the AB-PMJAY scheme?

The Rs 5 lakh annual cover includes medical examination, treatment and consultation, pre-hospitalisation expenses, medicines and medical consumables, ICU and non-ICU services, diagnostic tests, medical implants (if required), accommodation, food services, treatment-related complications and post-hospitalisation follow-up care for up to 15 days.

Important FAQs on Ayushman Bharat PMJAY

Which age and income group of senior citizens are eligible under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY?

All senior citizens aged 70 or above, regardless of their economic status, are eligible for a free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh under this scheme.

Is Aadhaar e-KYC mandatory for enrolment in the AB-PMJAY scheme?

Yes, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for the enrolment and the issuance of Ayushman cards for eligible senior citizens.

Can you apply for an Ayushman card online for your parents who are 70 or older?

Yes, the beneficiary can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Senior Citizen Scheme through its website portal - www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in and the Ayushman App (available for Android on the Google Play Store).