Ayushman Bharat Card for West Bengal Senior Citizens – How to Apply Online & Benefits Covered
Job Description
The Government of India has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme to provide better healthcare support for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. After the recent implementation of the scheme in West Bengal, eligible elderly citizens can now receive cashless medical treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh annually.
This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of hospitalization and provide quality healthcare access through government and empanelled private hospitals.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, also known as AB-PMJAY, is one of India’s largest government-funded healthcare schemes.
Under this scheme:
- Eligible beneficiaries receive up to ₹5 lakh health insurance coverage per year
- Cashless treatment facilities are available
- Coverage applies in both government and private empanelled hospitals
- Senior citizens aged 70+ are now eligible irrespective of income level
The scheme helps families avoid high medical expenses during emergencies and major treatments.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Coverage Available Under the Scheme
The scheme includes expenses related to:
- Medical consultations
- Hospitalization
- ICU and non-ICU treatment
- Diagnostic tests and laboratory investigations
- Medicines and medical consumables
- Surgical procedures
- Medical implants
- Accommodation and food during hospitalization
- Treatment-related complications
- Pre-hospitalization expenses (up to 3 days)
- Post-hospitalization follow-up care (up to 15 days)
Treatments & Services Covered
Included Medical Services
| Covered Services | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Examination | Covered |
| Consultation Fees | Covered |
| Diagnostic Tests | Covered |
| Medicines | Covered |
| ICU Services | Covered |
| Surgical Implants | Covered |
| Hospital Accommodation | Covered |
| Food Services | Covered |
| Follow-Up Care | Up to 15 Days |
What is NOT Covered?
The following are generally excluded from the scheme:
- Cosmetic surgeries
- Outpatient department (OPD) expenses
- Fertility treatments
- Drug rehabilitation programs
- Certain elective procedures
- Standalone diagnostic services without hospitalization
Eligibility Criteria for Senior Citizens
Who Can Apply?
Senior citizens who meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Age should be 70 years or above
- Available for both rural and urban residents
- Income level is not mandatory
- Existing private insurance holders can also apply
- ESI beneficiaries are eligible
- CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman CAPF members can choose to continue existing coverage or switch to PM-JAY
Urban & Rural Eligibility Categories
Urban Categories Include:
- Street vendors
- Ragpickers
- Daily wage labourers
- Domestic workers
- Helpers and assistants
Rural Categories Include:
- Families living in kutcha houses
- Landless labourers
- Female-headed households
- Families without able-bodied adults
- Disabled-member households
Documents Required for Verification
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card (optional but useful)
- Address Proof
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if required)
- Passport-size photograph
How to Apply Online for Ayushman Bharat Card
The registration process is fully online and simple to complete.
Step 1: Download the Ayushman App
OR visit the official portal:
Step 2: Check Eligibility
- Click on “Am I Eligible”
- Enter:
- Mobile Number
- Captcha Code
- OTP received on mobile
Step 3: Select State & Scheme
After login:
- Select your State
- Choose PMJAY under Sub-Scheme
- Select your district
Step 4: Complete e-KYC
- Click on “Do e-KYC”
- Aadhaar OTP verification will be generated
- Enter OTP and confirm consent
Step 5: Download Digital Card
- After successful verification, an e-KYC success message will appear
- Wait 15–20 minutes
- Login again and download the digital Ayushman card
Important Tips During Registration
Ensure These Things Carefully
- Name and date of birth should exactly match Aadhaar details
- Use an active mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Avoid duplicate registration
- Upload documents in correct PDF/JPEG format
- Recheck eligibility before submission
Offline Application Process
People who are not comfortable with online registration can also apply offline.
Visit:
- Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Approved Diagnostic Centre
- Ayushman Enrollment Centre
Carry:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number
- Required supporting documents
The staff will help complete the verification and registration process.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card
- Cashless hospitalization
- ₹5 lakh annual health coverage
- Treatment at empanelled hospitals
- Reduced financial burden on families
- Access to quality healthcare services
- Coverage for senior citizens regardless of income
Important Notes
- Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory
- Digital card download is required after verification
- Existing beneficiaries can directly log in using Member ID
- Keep mobile number active during verification process
