With the emergence of the government health insurance scheme, India’s healthcare sector has witnessed a huge change over the past years. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the most widely used national schemes. In addition to this, numerous states operate their own state health schemes so that healthcare can be made affordable and accessible for the locals. But with both presents, how do you know which one is good for you and your family? Let’s know in this blog about similarities, differences, and advantages.
Ayushman Bharat: India’s National Health Shield
The largest government health insurance scheme globally, launched in 2018, is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It will offer cashless health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh for every family per annum for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
The programme targets economically weaker sections mainly on the basis of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. It benefits approximately 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable households, providing treatment for more than 1,500 medical packages like surgeries, mental illness treatment, and maternity services.
Why is Ayushman Bharat unique is because of its cashless and paperless system. Beneficiaries can access treatment from any empanelled public or private hospital in India. This portability aspect guarantees that regardless of where you stay or travel, you are covered.
State Health Schemes – Specially Designed for Local Needs
Many states have developed their own government health insurance schemes to address local health care needs. For instance –
- Tamil Nadu —- Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme
- AndhraPradesh —- Aarogyasri scheme
- Kerala —- Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi
- Maharashtra —- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule – Jan Aarogya Yojana
Combined Coverage and Integration
Some states have opted to combine their state health programs with the central government health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat. For example, Andhra Pradesh’s Aarogyasri and Kerala’s Karunya schemes coexist alongside PM-JAY. This gives greater coverage to citizens and eliminates duplication.
But a handful of states, such as Delhi and Odisha, have their own independent health schemes, opting not to tie up with Ayushman Bharat. This gives them greater autonomy to structure the benefits according to their people’s needs.
Which Scheme Is Better for You?
The better scheme for you is based on your eligibility, where you live, and your healthcare needs:
If your family name features in the SECC list, Ayushman Bharat provides countrywide coverage and is best suited for those who commute from state to state.
If you are not covered under PM-JAY but your state has a local scheme, your plan will continue to provide cashless coverage within the state.
Final Thoughts
Both Ayushman Bharat and state health programs have a similar aim – providing quality healthcare to all, particularly the poor and needy. While Ayushman Bharat offers a national safety net, state schemes introduce regional variation.
If you and/or your family members are eligible for either, it’s well worth having a look at the terms of both from your local health department or official PM-JAY website. After all, in the modern world, the correct government health insurance scheme isn’t just a perk—it’s a comfort.
