- Over 41 crore Ayushman Cards issued under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- Eligibility expanded to include low-income families, ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and senior citizens (70+ years) under Vay Vandana Card.
- 31,466 hospitals empaneled with more than 9.84 crore hospital admissions authorized worth Rs. 1.40 lakh crore.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) keeps improving India’s healthcare coverage, with over 41 crore Ayushman Cards issued all over the country. This important scheme has widened its coverage and benefits to include more people from India, making sure that low-income families, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, and senior citizens can get quality healthcare. If you want to know how this scheme can help you or your family, here’s a clear look at the eligibility, benefits, and hospital network under AB-PMJAY.
Expanded Eligibility Under Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY
Originally aimed at around 10.74 crore families, the government increased the number to 12 crore families in January 2022, covering about the bottom 40% of India’s population. This change gives a wider safety net for poor and at-risk families.
In March 2024, eligibility expanded again to include 37 lakh ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), and their families. These key frontline workers now get the benefits and protection under AB-PMJAY for themselves and their families.
Also, the scheme recently added another group: senior citizens aged 70 and above. Under the Vay Vandana Card program, about 6 crore senior citizens, covering roughly 4.5 crore families, no matter their income, can access the scheme’s benefits.
Benefits and Coverage of the Ayushman Card
So far, over 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, making it simple for eligible families to get cashless treatment at approved hospitals. The scheme’s success depends a lot on the growing hospital network and the authorized hospital admissions that offer financial protection to those who need it.
Inclusion of ASHA, AWW, and AWH Families
| Category | Ayushman Cards Created |
|---|---|
| Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) | 10.45 lakh |
| Anganwadi Workers (AWW) | 15.01 lakh |
| Anganwadi Helpers (AWH) | 15.05 lakh |
This inclusion makes sure that frontline workers and their families have the health coverage needed to support their important work in public health.
Coverage for Senior Citizens through Vay Vandana Card
The Vay Vandana Card program is an important step toward inclusive healthcare, covering senior citizens aged 70 and above without needing to meet income criteria. This means older people, one of the most at-risk groups, can get healthcare benefits under AB-PMJAY without worrying about money.
Scope and Impact of Hospital Empanelment
Hospital empanelment is key to the scheme’s success. Right now, 31,466 hospitals are approved across India, with 14,194 of them being private hospitals. This wide network not only offers convenience but also promises quality treatment options across the country.
Since the start, more than 9.84 crore hospital admissions have been approved under AB-PMJAY, with treatments worth over Rs. 1.40 lakh crore. These numbers show how the scheme helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and provides timely medical care.
Your access to good healthcare keeps growing as the government improves AB-PMJAY, working to make treatments affordable and reachable for all eligible families. To check your eligibility or find approved hospitals, visit the official AB-PMJAY website at pmjay.gov.in.