Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide health coverage to economically weaker sections of society.
2. When was Ayushman Bharat Yojana launched?
The scheme was launched on September 23, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
3. What is the main objective of Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
The primary goal of the scheme is to provide health insurance coverage of up to 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.
4. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database, which includes rural and urban households. Approximately 10.74 crore families are targeted under this scheme.
5. What kind of health services are covered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
The scheme covers a wide range of health services including secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, maternal and child health services, mental health management, dental care, and emergency care for the elderly.
6. How can beneficiaries access health services under Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Beneficiaries can access health services by using their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, which contains their medical history and health records. They can receive cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across the country.
7. What is the significance of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Health and Wellness Centres are a crucial component of the scheme, aiming to upgrade existing health infrastructure. These centers will provide preventive, promotive, and ambulatory care services to reduce disease burden and hospitalization needs.
8. How does Ayushman Bharat Yojana address the issue of catastrophic health expenditure?
The scheme aims to insulate families from catastrophic financial shocks by providing cashless hospitalization services. This ensures that beneficiaries do not have to bear the burden of medical expenses, thereby reducing financial stress.
9. What is the expansion plan for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a major expansion of the scheme, which will provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income. This expansion is set to benefit around 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens.
10. What additional benefits are provided to senior citizens under the expanded scheme?
Eligible senior citizens will receive a new, distinct card under the AB PM-JAY scheme. They will also get an additional top-up cover of up to 5 lakh per year, which they can use independently without sharing it with other family members under the age of 70.
11. How does Ayushman Bharat Yojana align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The scheme aligns with the SDGs by aiming to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that no one is left behind. It also promotes comprehensive healthcare services, including prevention, promotion, and ambulatory care at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
