Ayushman Bharat card for West Bengal senior citizens: How to apply online and what all are covered

Written by: Express Intern5 min readUpdated: May 13, 2026 12:56 PM IST West Bengal elected a new government under the leadership of the current chief minister, Suvendhu Adhikari, who announced the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) by the central government. A new policy expansion has turned health security into a universal right for India’s eldest generation. (Source: File photo)West Bengal recently elected a new government under Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari, who announced the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) by the Central government. A new policy expansion has turned health security into a universal right for India’s eldest generation. What is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)?Under the updated guidelines, every senior citizen aged 70 and above is now eligible for Rs 5 lakh in annual, cashless health insurance, a safety net that covers the high costs of secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Whether a senior comes from a struggling household or a wealthy background, the policy recognises that health crises at 70+ are a universal challenge, ensuring no family has to drain their life savings to provide quality medical care for their elders. The scheme was first implemented from September 23, 2018, to January 10, 2019. However, it was later withdrawn. Now, the PMJAY scheme has been re-implemented, and people can avail its benefits. Included in AB-PMJAY This scheme coverage spans initial medical consultations, diagnostic laboratory investigations, and necessary medications. It includes both intensive and non-intensive care, surgical implants, and room benefits. Additionally, it offsets expenses for three days pre-hospitalisation and fifteen days of post-hospitalisation follow-up care. Excluded from AB-PMJAY Excluded from standard coverage are outpatient department expenses, cosmetic surgeries, and drug rehabilitation programmes. Furthermore, fertility treatments and individual diagnostics are generally not reimbursed, as these are considered elective or specialised services. Eligibility Criteria:Story continues below this ad Senior citizens above the age of 70 are eligible under this scheme; the income level of the individuals and their current health insurance are not taken into consideration yet. It also includes senior citizens from urban and rural areas. Individuals under private health insurance plans or covered by the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme are also eligible for the scheme. The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), or Ayushman CAPF can continue with the current government health insurance scheme or shift to AB PM-JAY. Urban eligibility encompasses marginalised groups, including ragpickers, street vendors, labourers, and assistants. Rural criteria prioritise families in kutcha houses, households without able-bodied adults or those headed by females/disabled members, and landless labourers. These designations aim to identify and support socially and economically vulnerable individuals across both environments. Documents to carry for verificationStory continues below this ad Age & Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card) Proof of Address Caste Certificate Contact details (Mobile, e-mail) Income Certificate How to apply for the eligibility? The entire process is online, and documents can be submitted online. Download the Ayushman app You can also visit the PM-Jay portal (https://pmjay.gov.in/) “I am eligible” will be available on the top menu bar; select it Retrieve and type the captcha code, mobile number, and OTP for verification After logging in, select your “State” and PMJAY under ‘Sub Scheme’ and add your district Fill required details Click on the “Do e-KYC ” button Aadhaar OTP will be generated, verify Read the consent description and tick the box- “allow” After entering the OTP, the verification process is complete An e-KYC mes