Sivaramakrishnan
Expert
Published on: Sep 25, 2026
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a 'National Health Protection Scheme' introduced by the Central Government of India in the budget 2018. This scheme provides a health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh to underprivileged families to support their healthcare needs.
Through this initiative, nearly 10 crore families will benefit, translating to over 50 crore individuals gaining access to health protection. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the features, eligibility criteria, and enrollment procedures associated with the scheme.
Features of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- The Yojana aims to create a robust health and wellness infrastructure while extending insurance coverage to at least 40 percent of India's population.
- This scheme improves upon the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana by covering the unorganized sectors effectively.
- Each eligible Indian family can receive up to Rs. 5 lakh for medical expenses.
- Beneficiaries have access to cashless treatment in both private and government hospitals across the nation.
- The scheme facilitates cashless healthcare treatments for patients.
- It also establishes wellness centers designed to provide comprehensive patient care. Future upgrades will transform public health centers into wellness hubs.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements include inclusion in the SECC 2011 data (Socio-Economic Caste Census), conducted nationwide. The criteria rely on numerous parameters such as:
- Literacy rates
- Median household income
- Poverty levels
- Occupation types
- Geographical location
- Access to education
- Availability of housing
- Access to sanitation, water, and electricity
- Possession of a valid Aadhar card
Note: The scheme does not impose a restriction on family size.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents for registration:
- Aadhar ID connected to a valid bank account
- Relevant special category certificates
- Age proof
- Family structure documentation
- Identification details
- Contact information
- A scanned copy of Aadhar
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate
Implementation Phases
The scheme's rollout is scheduled in three phases, with the first phase initiated on 2nd October 2018. Documentation processes are expected to conclude by June 2018.
Registration Procedure
Although launched in April, full registration procedures are pending release. The Government has indicated that there will be no charges incurred during registration.
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