Understanding the Ayushman Bharat Scheme The Ayushman Bharat scheme, officially known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a transformative healthcare initiative by the Indian government. It aims to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families by offering free healthcare services up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empaneled public and private hospitals. As the program continues to expand in 2026, understanding the application process for the Ayushman Bharat card is crucial for accessing these benefits. Background of Ayushman Bharat Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat marked a significant shift towards universal healthcare in India. The scheme is designed to address the healthcare needs of the poorest segments of society, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent access to essential medical services. By leveraging the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, the program identifies eligible families based on specific deprivation criteria, thus pri...