West Bengal joins Ayushman Bharat: How to apply for Ayushman card and get Rs 5 lakh health cover

National Health Authority (NHA) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the state.

AB PM-JAY will enable eligible West Bengal citizens to access cashless healthcare benefits.

An Ayushman card enables beneficiaries to avail treatment under PM-JAY. Eligible individuals can receive free medical treatment annually.

Under PM-JAY, beneficiaries receive health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

The entire treatment cost is borne by the government. An Ayushman card can now be generated digitally without visiting any office.

Step 1: Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Step 2: Select "Beneficiary" and log in using your mobile number and OTP.
Step 3: Choose PM-JAY, then select your state and district.
Step 4: Search using your name or the Aadhaar number.
Step 5: Complete verification by uploading a photograph and entering required details.
Submit the application.

Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above is eligible. There is no income criteria to apply. Note that existing health insurance coverage does not impact eligibility.

Eligible beneficiaries can generate and download the Ayushman card digitally to access healthcare benefits.

Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as central government health scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.