The right to healthcare is often talked about yet rarely exercised. While the more capable sections of the society have easy access to the significant health insurance plans and policies, the vulnerable fragments are left ignored with restricted or no access to the nation’s healthcare machinery.
Considering the neglect, minimal access to healthcare coverage, and the inability to pay hefty pre and post hospitalization fees, the Indian Government has taken it upon itself to launch the PMJAY or rather the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna. Often termed as the Ayushman Bharat Yojna, this nation-wide insurance scheme aims at relieving the poor and underprivileged Indian families of unbearable medical expenses.
Things to Know about the PM-JAY
Before jumping right into the benefits, here is a quick refresh on what the Ayushman Bharat Yojna aims to achieve:
- Covers almost 1393 medical procedures
- Completely government financed
- Not restricted by age, gender, and family size
- Canopies every pre-existing ailment
- PAN-India coverage across empanelled hospitals
- Even enlists several private hospitals
PMJAY Benefits that you need to know
Although the PMJAY efficiently targets the poor and individuals that cannot even afford paying the periodic premiums, often associated with private healthcare insurance plans, here are 7 of the more prominent benefits that set it apart from other Government-funded healthcare schemes.
Sizable Coverage
PMJAY ensures a significant healthcare coverage value of up to 5 lakhs. Catering to almost 50 Crore deprived beneficiaries, the annual premiums associated with the Ayushman Bharat Yojna are pre-paired, whilst being footed in a 60:40 ratio by Central and State authorities.
Extensive Database
PMJAY, as a comprehensive healthcare policy, picks up the names from the credible and sizable SECC database. This ensures a holistic exposure and no disadvantaged individual or family is left behind.
Pre-Existing Conditions, Covered
Unlike other health insurance plans that ramp up the premiums in case of pre-existing medical conditions, PMJAY covers and accommodates each from the first day of enrolment.
Paperless Registration
PMJAY cuts out every out-of-pocket cost, as you can procure paperless and cashless facilities at every empaneled hospital, simply by showing the Ayushman Card.
Priority-Based Services
Despite having no discriminatory tag attached to it, this all-inclusive healthcare plan prioritizes girl child, women, and senior citizens, precisely to provide prompt medical facilities to these sections seeking immediate care.
Covers Secondary Care
In addition to accounting for primary healthcare facilities like surgeries and hospital visits, PMJAY also accounts for and conceals secondary facilities, including medical implantations, post-operative follow-ups, medical consumables, and more
Active Role of the Private Sector
As the Government aims at speeding up the allotment of Ayushman Cards whilst increasing the coverage of this healthcare facility, the involvement of the private sector is imminent. Also, with the private players participating, the quality and promptness of the products and services covered under the PMJAY are better than ever.
Bottom-Line
Apart from the mentioned benefits, the Ayushman Bharat Yojna also assures protection against complication-induced treatments. Plus, you get access to accommodation benefits, food services, and cashless support, even for lab investigations. Sound holistic, right!
Well, not every individual is eligible for the PMJAY insurance scheme as it primarily targets individuals sitting below the poverty line. If you are still run-down by financial worries, Finserv MARKETS lists a wide-range of low-cost healthcare insurance plans and policies to consider.
