Overview
India has launched multiple health card schemes to provide affordable healthcare access to its citizens. These schemes vary by state and target population but generally aim to reduce the burden of healthcare expenses through cashless treatment facilities. In this article, we compare the national-level Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme with various state-sponsored health card schemes.
| Scheme Name | Coverage Amount | Eligible Beneficiaries | Hospital Network | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) | Up to ₹5 lakh/family/year | SECC 2011 families, verified by Aadhaar | PAN India empanelled private & government hospitals | All India |
| Chiranjeevi Health Scheme | ₹5 lakh/year | All ration card holders & contractual workers | State empanelled hospitals | Rajasthan |
| Mukhyamantri Amrutam | ₹5 lakh/year | Below Poverty Line (BPL) families | Govt & empanelled private hospitals | Gujarat |
| BSKY (Odisha) | ₹5 lakh (women: ₹10 lakh) | All Odisha families (as per eligibility) | Odisha empanelled hospitals | Odisha |
| Swasthya Sathi | ₹5 lakh/year | All residents (based on card issuance) | State empanelled hospitals | West Bengal |
How These Schemes Help
Government health cards help families avoid catastrophic health expenses. Treatments like heart surgeries, dialysis, cancer therapies, and trauma care can be extremely costly in private hospitals. These schemes provide cashless hospitalization, pre-authorized treatments, and access to a wide hospital network. Visit the PMJAY official website to check your eligibility and find empanelled hospitals.
FAQs - Ayushman vs Other Health Cards
1. Can I have both Ayushman Bharat and a state scheme?
In many states, yes. You can use either card based on hospital coverage and eligibility. Always verify with the hospital or state portal.
2. Which card gives the highest health coverage?
Currently, BSKY (Odisha) offers the highest coverage — up to ₹10 lakh for women beneficiaries.
3. How do I apply for these cards?
Visit your state's health portal or nearby CSC center. For Ayushman Bharat, you can check eligibility at mera.pmjay.gov.in.
4. Are private hospitals covered?
Yes, but only if they are empanelled under the respective scheme. Always confirm before treatment.