Compare PMJAY with top state schemes like Chiranjeevi, Swasthya Sathi, MJPJAY, AB-ArK, CMCHIS, and Dr YSR Aarogyasri for eligibility, coverage, and benefits in 2025.
India’s healthcare system combines national and state-level health insurance schemes. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides a nationwide safety net, while states enhance it with tailored schemes. As of 2025, PMJAY has facilitated over 92 million hospital admissions and expanded to cover all seniors above 70, benefiting approximately 60 million elderly.
This guide compares PMJAY with leading state schemes, detailing eligibility, coverage, and unique features to help you choose the best option based on your state. Learn how to apply with our Ayushman Card application guide or check eligibility at our eligibility checker.
Launched in 2018, PMJAY is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program, covering 15.14 crore families under SECC 2011 and 8.57 crore through state expansions as of March 2025. Key features include:
PMJAY protects against catastrophic health expenses, which affect nearly 6 crore Indians annually. For more benefits, read our PMJAY benefits guide.
States often converge their schemes with PMJAY, offering broader eligibility or higher coverage. Below is a comparison of key state schemes for 2025.
| State | Scheme | Coverage | Eligibility | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Chiranjeevi Yojana | ₹25 lakh health + ₹10 lakh accident | Universal; free for NFSA/SECC, ₹850 for others | Includes organ transplants |
| West Bengal | Swasthya Sathi | ₹5 lakh | Universal (except other schemes) | Female-centric card |
| Maharashtra | MJPJAY | ₹5 lakh | Universal | Integrated with PMJAY |
| Karnataka | AB-ArK | ₹5 lakh (full/subsidized) | Universal, tiered | Oncology focus |
| Tamil Nadu | CMCHIS | ₹5 lakh | Income < ₹1.2 lakh | 1,090 procedures |
| Andhra Pradesh | Dr YSR Aarogyasri | ₹5 lakh | BPL families | Cashless treatment |
India’s most generous scheme, covering 1,929 procedures, including organ transplants.
Independent scheme prioritizing women’s empowerment.
Fully integrated with PMJAY for universal access.
Tiered model with increased oncology focus in 2025.
Converged with PMJAY, strong in oncology and pediatrics.
Targets BPL families with cashless care.
PMJAY Pros: Nationwide portability, uniform ₹5 lakh coverage, inclusive for seniors.
PMJAY Cons: Limited to SECC and seniors above 70.
State Schemes Pros: Often universal (e.g., Rajasthan, Maharashtra), higher coverage in some states.
State Schemes Cons: Portability may be restricted outside the state.
For tips on choosing health insurance, read our health insurance guide.
Your state’s scheme is usually the best, as integrations maximize benefits. For example, Rajasthan’s Chiranjeevi offers ₹25 lakh vs. PMJAY’s ₹5 lakh. Apply for your health card to access the right scheme automatically. Find empanelled providers in our hospital list.
Start your application today with our application guide.
In converged schemes, PMJAY-eligible families get ₹5 lakh; others get state-defined benefits.
Yes, converged schemes use the same empanelled hospitals for seamless access.
All citizens above 70 now qualify for cashless care.