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Imagine falling ill with a severe medical condition, one that demands costly hospital care. The fear of mounting medical bills can be as daunting as the illness itself. Such was the harsh reality for millions of Indians until the inception of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), more commonly known as Jan Arogya Abhiyan.
Introduced in 2018, this ambitious program has reshaped India's healthcare landscape, providing a financial safety net for low-income households.
Jan Arogya Abhiyan stands as the world’s largest government-funded health insurance initiative. It offers coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. This equates to hassle-free access to medical services, encompassing both public and accredited private hospitals throughout the nation. Targeting over 10 crore (100 million) impoverished and vulnerable families, it extends aid to nearly 50 crore (500 million) beneficiaries.
Here’s an overview of how Jan Arogya Abhiyan operates:
Eligibility: Families identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data are automatically enrolled. Furthermore, some states have included additional categories such as informal sector workers.
Benefits: The scheme encompasses a broad spectrum of medical expenses, encompassing hospitalization, surgeon fees, medications, and diagnostics. It also covers pre-existing conditions, offering much-needed respite to those grappling with chronic illnesses.
Cashless Transactions: Beneficiaries can access medical treatment at accredited hospitals without the burden of upfront payments. The hospitals subsequently seek reimbursement from the government.