The Ayushman Card is a health identification card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), providing eligible Indian citizens with cashless health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. This initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improve access to quality medical services across the country.
Recent Developments in Ayushman Card 2025
- Expansion to Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above – As of October 2024, the government has extended Ayushman Bharat benefits to approximately 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This move ensures that elderly individuals receive comprehensive healthcare coverage without financial burdens.
- Inclusion of Gig Workers – The 2025 Union Budget announced the inclusion of gig workers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, recognizing their contributions to the economy and addressing their lack of income security and access to medical services.
- State-Level Initiatives–
- Delhi: The Delhi government launched Ayushman Cards for all residents aged 70 and above, regardless of income, providing a combined health cover of ₹10 lakh (₹5 lakh each from the Centre and the Delhi government).
- Chhattisgarh: The state has introduced free cashless treatment for road accident victims up to ₹1.5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat network.
- Bihar: Special camps are being organized from May 26 to 28, 2025, across all gram panchayats to facilitate Ayushman Card registrations, aiming to cover more citizens, especially in rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Ayushman Card is primarily determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. However, recent expansions have included:
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income.
- Gig workers across various sectors.
- ASHA and Anganwadi workers and their families.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Card
- Online Registration:
- Visit the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission official website.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and other required details.
- Verify your eligibility and download the Ayushman Card.
- Offline Registration:
- Attend designated camps organized by state governments (e.g., Bihar’s special camps from May 26 to 28, 2025).
- Provide necessary documents such as Aadhaar card and mobile number.
- Complete the registration process with assistance from officials.
Benefits of the Ayushman Card
- Cashless Treatment: Access to cashless healthcare services at empanelled public and private hospitals.
- Wide Coverage: Covers over 1,949 medical procedures, including surgeries, diagnostics, and pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
- Portability: Benefits are portable across the country, allowing beneficiaries to avail services in any empanelled hospital nationwide.
- No Premium: The scheme is entirely government-funded, requiring no premium payment from beneficiaries.
Impact and Reach
As of March 2025, over 36.9 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued across India. The scheme has significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, with government health expenditure increasing from 29% to 48% between FY 2015 and FY 2022.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Card continues to be a pivotal tool in India’s healthcare landscape, offering financial protection and improved access to medical services for millions. With recent expansions to include senior citizens, gig workers, and frontline health workers, the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. Eligible individuals are encouraged to register and avail themselves of the benefits provided under this transformative initiative.
Source: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
