What is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is the beneficiary identification card used under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The card helps eligible beneficiaries access covered cashless hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals.
West Bengal officially joined AB PM-JAY in June 2026, becoming the 36th State/UT to implement the scheme.
The state’s implementation provides a major new route to government-funded hospitalisation coverage for eligible families.
What is the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY benefit in West Bengal?
The standard PM-JAY benefit is:
Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year
The benefit is intended for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
The Government of India has stated that approximately 1.24 crore eligible families in West Bengal are covered under the main beneficiary base, with additional approved categories taking the total beneficiary base to around 1.43 crore families.
Who can get an Ayushman Card in West Bengal?
This is an important question because not every West Bengal resident automatically gets an Ayushman Card.
For the regular PM-JAY beneficiary population, eligibility is based on the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary identification criteria and approved database.
Therefore, simply having:
- A West Bengal address
- A ration card
- Aadhaar
- A voter ID
does not by itself guarantee ordinary PM-JAY eligibility.
The person must be identified as an eligible beneficiary under the applicable PM-JAY rules.
Special Ayushman Card eligibility for people aged 70+
There is an important separate rule for senior citizens.
All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY regardless of income, under the senior-citizen expansion.
This means a 70+ person does not need to satisfy the ordinary economic eligibility criteria used for the main PM-JAY beneficiary population.
The National Health Authority’s official FAQ confirms this senior-citizen eligibility.
Official NHA information: National Health Authority
How much does a 70+ senior citizen get?
A senior citizen aged 70+ can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the applicable PM-JAY senior-citizen rules.
If the senior citizen belongs to a family that is already covered under PM-JAY, the 70+ member receives an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves.
The additional cover is not shared with family members below 70.
Therefore, it is incorrect to say that every PM-JAY family automatically receives ₹10 lakh.
Is Aadhaar required for Ayushman Card e-KYC?
For the special 70+ senior-citizen enrolment, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
The National Health Authority states that Aadhaar is the required document for enrolment under this senior-citizen provision.
For other beneficiary categories, the identification and document requirements can depend on the beneficiary-verification process.
What is e-KYC in Ayushman Card?
e-KYC means electronic Know Your Customer/Know Your Beneficiary verification.
It is used to verify the identity of the person before the beneficiary’s Ayushman Card is generated.
Depending on the applicable process, identity verification can involve Aadhaar-based authentication and other beneficiary-identification mechanisms.
NHA’s PM-JAY documentation describes Aadhaar-based authentication as a process requiring explicit consent and identifies beneficiary identity information as part of the enrolment process.
Why is e-KYC important?
A beneficiary may appear in the PM-JAY system but still need identity verification before the card can be generated.
Therefore, statuses such as:
- e-KYC pending
- e-KYC required
- authentication pending
- beneficiary found
- card not generated
should not automatically be interpreted as rejection.
The exact status displayed by the official beneficiary system determines what action is required.
How to check Ayushman Card eligibility online?
The safest option is to use the official National Health Authority beneficiary portal.
Official portal: Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal
Use the official government domain rather than third-party websites.
Depending on the current portal workflow, you may be asked to authenticate using the required mobile/Aadhaar or other beneficiary details.
How to apply for an Ayushman Card in West Bengal?
For an eligible beneficiary, the general process involves:
Step 1: Check beneficiary eligibility
First determine whether your family/person appears in the eligible PM-JAY beneficiary system.
Step 2: Complete identity verification
Complete the applicable e-KYC or authentication process.
Step 3: Verify beneficiary details
Check the person’s:
- Name
- Date of birth/age
- Gender
- Family details
- Identity information
If information is incorrect, follow the official correction procedure rather than creating a duplicate record.
Step 4: Generate the card
After successful verification, the Ayushman Card can be generated through the authorised system.
Step 5: Download/print the card
Once generated, use the official portal or authorised facility to obtain the card.
The exact buttons and workflow can change as the government updates its portal.
Can I download the Ayushman Card online?
Yes, once the beneficiary has been successfully identified and the card has been generated, the card can be accessed through the official beneficiary system.
Official portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
Do not use unofficial websites that ask for payment to download a government-issued Ayushman Card.
What documents may be needed?
The exact documents can depend on the beneficiary category and verification process.
NHA’s PM-JAY documentation identifies beneficiary identity and proof-of-address/identity documents such as:
- Aadhaar
- Ration Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Other valid government-issued photo identification
- Proof of Relationship documents
The required documents should be confirmed through the current official process rather than assuming that every applicant needs every document.
Can I get an Ayushman Card if I already have a Swasthya Sathi card?
Having a Swasthya Sathi card does not automatically mean that you are eligible for PM-JAY.
PM-JAY has its own beneficiary identification rules.
However, West Bengal’s 2026 health-insurance transition means that many people previously covered through the state system are now being processed under the new central/state health-insurance arrangement.
Therefore, check your actual PM-JAY beneficiary status instead of assuming that your Swasthya Sathi card guarantees an Ayushman Card.
What if my name is not showing in the Ayushman database?
If your name is not found, do not immediately assume that you have been rejected.
Possible reasons can include:
- You are not in the applicable beneficiary database.
- Your details do not match the database.
- Your family information requires verification.
- Your beneficiary category requires a different verification route.
- The portal is undergoing an update.
- You may fall under a different government health scheme.
For assistance, use the official PM-JAY support channels or visit an authorised empanelled hospital.
Can senior citizens aged 70+ apply even if their name isn’t in the ordinary PM-JAY list?
The 70+ expansion is different from the ordinary PM-JAY beneficiary database.
The National Health Authority states that all Indian citizens aged 70+ are eligible regardless of income.
Therefore, an elderly person should check the specific senior-citizen enrolment route rather than assuming that absence from the ordinary beneficiary list means they cannot receive PM-JAY coverage.
Can someone with private health insurance get the Ayushman Card at age 70+?
Yes.
The official senior-citizen PM-JAY information states that people aged 70+ remain eligible even if they have private health insurance.
There are different provisions for people already covered under certain public health schemes, so those beneficiaries should check the applicable rules before choosing or switching coverage.
Can Ayushman Card holders use the scheme outside West Bengal?
Yes.
One of the major features of PM-JAY is national portability.
An eligible West Bengal beneficiary can receive covered treatment at an empanelled PM-JAY hospital in another state, subject to the applicable package and hospital rules.
The Government of India specifically highlighted portability as a major benefit for migrant workers and their families from West Bengal.
How to find an Ayushman hospital in West Bengal?
Use the official PM-JAY hospital search.
Official hospital search: PM-JAY Empanelled Hospital Search
You can use the official system to identify empanelled hospitals and check relevant information.
Before admission, confirm that:
- The hospital is currently empanelled.
- The required treatment is available.
- The treatment package is covered.
- Your beneficiary record is active.
Is every treatment free with an Ayushman Card?
No.
An Ayushman Card does not mean that every medical expense is automatically free.
PM-JAY primarily provides financial protection for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation packages.
A beneficiary should confirm whether the planned treatment is an approved PM-JAY package.
Expenses outside the approved package may not be covered.
Is ordinary OPD treatment covered?
People should not assume that ordinary outpatient consultation is covered simply because they have an Ayushman Card.
PM-JAY is primarily focused on covered hospitalisation and approved treatment packages.
For a specific treatment, ask the empanelled hospital’s Ayushman Mitra/help desk whether the treatment is covered.
What should I do if e-KYC is not working?
If the e-KYC option does not respond or fails:
- Check that your mobile number and beneficiary details are correct.
- Try the official portal again later.
- Check whether Aadhaar authentication is required.
- Visit an authorised PM-JAY/empanelled hospital.
- Ask the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra for assistance.
- Contact the official PM-JAY helpline if the problem continues.
Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with an unknown person.
Ayushman Card official helpline
The National Health Authority’s official PM-JAY support information lists:
14555 / 1800-111-565
Use the official helpline for beneficiary-related assistance.
Important 2026 update for West Bengal
West Bengal’s PM-JAY implementation is new.
The Government of India officially announced on 8 June 2026 that West Bengal had become the 36th State/UT to implement AB PM-JAY.
The approved beneficiary base was stated at approximately 1.43 crore families, including the main eligible beneficiary families, ASHA/Aanganwadi families and senior citizens aged 70+.
Recent rollout reporting also showed that more than 1.2 crore people had already received Ayushman Cards by August 17, 2026, demonstrating how quickly the scheme is being implemented in the state.
Because implementation is new, online procedures and card-distribution workflows may change.
Ayushman Card vs Swasthya Sathi
| Feature | Ayushman Card | Swasthya Sathi |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | PM-JAY | Previous WB state scheme |
| Government | Central + State implementation | West Bengal |
| West Bengal PM-JAY | Implemented in 2026 | Previous system |
| Standard cover | Up to ₹5 lakh/family/year | Earlier ₹5 lakh/family/year |
| Portability | Nationwide | Mainly state scheme |
| 70+ special eligibility | Yes | No equivalent PM-JAY rule |
| Current situation | New system | Transitioning/phasing out |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Ayushman Card provide?
The standard PM-JAY benefit is up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for covered hospitalisation.
Can everyone in West Bengal get an Ayushman Card?
No. Ordinary PM-JAY eligibility is based on the applicable beneficiary criteria. The separate 70+ expansion covers all Indian citizens aged 70+ regardless of income.
Is Aadhaar mandatory?
For the 70+ senior-citizen enrolment, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
Can I download my Ayushman Card online?
Yes, after successful beneficiary verification and card generation through the authorised system.
Can I use the Ayushman Card outside West Bengal?
Yes. PM-JAY provides nationwide portability at empanelled hospitals.
Can I use an Ayushman Card and Swasthya Sathi for the same hospital bill?
Do not assume that both schemes can be combined for the same treatment. The applicable beneficiary and hospital-processing rules determine which scheme covers the treatment.
Where should I check my Ayushman Card status?
Use the official Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal.
Official portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. We make reasonable efforts to keep the information accurate and up to date using official government sources and recent government announcements; however, government schemes, eligibility criteria, benefits, hospital empanelment, procedures, rates, card-generation processes, deadlines and other rules may change from time to time. DailyDigiHelp does not guarantee that all information will remain current or that any individual will be eligible for a particular benefit. Before applying for a scheme, completing e-KYC, seeking treatment, or making any financial or medical decision, readers should verify the latest information with the National Health Authority, Government of West Bengal, authorised hospital or other relevant government authority. Never share your Aadhaar OTP or other sensitive information with an unauthorised person. DailyDigiHelp is not affiliated with or officially associated with the Government of India, Government of West Bengal, National Health Authority or Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Card has become particularly important in West Bengal in 2026 because the state has now joined the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY programme.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Senior citizens aged 70 and above have a separate PM-JAY eligibility route regardless of income.
However, simply living in West Bengal or having Aadhaar does not automatically make someone eligible for the ordinary PM-JAY beneficiary category.
For the safest and most accurate information, check your eligibility, e-KYC and card status through the official National Health Authority beneficiary portal.
Official links: