The government has released a fresh update on the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), one of India's largest public healthcare programmes. According to government data updated as of August 12, 2026, more than 45.5 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued across the country.

The scheme provides eligible beneficiaries with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for specified secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. The programme also covers senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income.

What Do You Get With an Ayushman Card?

Eligible beneficiaries can use their Ayushman Card to access cashless treatment for covered procedures at empanelled hospitals.

The ₹5 lakh annual health cover is available according to the rules of AB-PMJAY and can be used for eligible hospitalisation expenses and treatment packages.

The government says more than 1,900 treatment packages are covered under the programme.

Senior Citizens Above 70 Can Also Get Coverage

One of the most important expansions of Ayushman Bharat concerns senior citizens.

People aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB-PMJAY health coverage irrespective of their income, subject to the applicable enrolment rules.

Families with elderly parents or grandparents should therefore check whether their Ayushman registration has been completed and whether the card is available.

How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility

Before planning treatment under the scheme, beneficiaries should verify their eligibility through official Ayushman Bharat channels.

You may need details such as your Aadhaar number, mobile number and information about your household to complete verification.

If you are eligible but haven't generated your Ayushman Card yet, complete the required verification and enrolment process before you need hospitalisation. This can help avoid unnecessary difficulties during an emergency.

Check Hospital Status Before Treatment

Having an Ayushman Card does not mean that every private or government hospital automatically provides treatment under the scheme.

Patients should confirm whether the hospital is currently empanelled under AB-PMJAY and whether the required treatment package is covered.

This is particularly important when planning surgery or other expensive procedures.

Over 40,000 Claims Processed Every Day

The latest government update highlights the scale at which the programme is operating.

According to official information, more than 40,000 claims are being processed every day, covering over 1,900 treatment packages.

This makes it particularly important for beneficiaries to keep their personal information and Ayushman Card details updated.

Be Careful of Ayushman Card Fraud

Beneficiaries should also be cautious about calls or messages promising guaranteed Ayushman benefits in exchange for payment.

Do not share your OTP, bank PIN, UPI PIN or other confidential financial information with unknown callers.

Similarly, avoid clicking suspicious WhatsApp or SMS links claiming that your Ayushman Card will be blocked unless you immediately complete KYC or make a payment.

Check Your Card Before a Medical Emergency

Many people check their health scheme eligibility only after someone in the family needs hospitalisation. Verifying the details beforehand can make the process easier during an emergency.

Check whether your family is eligible, make sure your Ayushman Card has been generated and confirm the list of empanelled hospitals available in your area.

With more than 45.5 crore Ayushman Cards already issued, the latest government figures show the massive reach of the scheme. For eligible families, keeping the card and beneficiary details ready can help them access covered treatment when they need it most.