Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Good News! Ration Card Holders Can Now Avail Benefits of Free Medical Cover of Up to ₹5 Lakh, Check Details

Ayushman Bharat Yojana: In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, the Bihar government has announced the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all ration card holders across the state. This decision, taken during a recent Bihar Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, marks a pivotal step towards ensuring comprehensive health coverage for a larger segment of the population.

Expanding Coverage

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, emphasized the magnitude of this decision, highlighting the commitment of the NDA government in Bihar towards healthcare inclusivity. Under the extended scheme, all ration card holders in the state will now be entitled to free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh annually. With approximately 1.2 crore individuals already benefiting from AB PM-JAY, an additional 58 lakh people, who are beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, will now be included, resulting in a total coverage of around two crore individuals across Bihar.

The Ayushman Bharat Initiative

Ayushman Bharat, initiated by the Modi government, has been a flagship healthcare scheme aimed at providing financial protection to vulnerable families against high medical expenses. The scheme encompasses two primary objectives: establishing one lakh health and wellness centers nationwide and extending health insurance coverage of Rs 5.00 lakh per annum to 10 crore families.

Key Benefits

Under the AB PM-JAY scheme, eligible families are entitled to several benefits, including:

• Free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year per eligible family.
• Access to free treatment in any recognized government or private hospital affiliated with the scheme.
• Provision of pre-admission checkups, inpatient treatment, meals during hospitalization, and post-discharge checkups and medications at no cost.
• Coverage for critical illnesses such as COVID-19, cancer, kidney diseases, heart ailments, and others, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support to beneficiaries.