Important information has emerged for beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Under this central government health scheme, eligible citizens are entitled to free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh every year.

The scheme is designed primarily for economically weaker and needy sections of society, ensuring that expensive medical treatment does not become a financial burden for them.

₹5 Lakh Treatment Limit Comes With a Time Condition

The ₹5 lakh health cover provided under the Ayushman card is valid for one year only. This means beneficiaries can avail treatment expenses up to this amount within a single year.

Once the ₹5 lakh limit is fully used, free treatment under the scheme stops until the limit is renewed in the next year. Therefore, cardholders are strongly advised to check their remaining balance before undergoing major or costly medical procedures, as exceeding the limit may lead to out-of-pocket expenses.

Can the Treatment Limit Be Increased?

According to the rules of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the ₹5 lakh annual limit is fixed and cannot be increased. The government has set this cap to ensure fair and equal access to healthcare benefits for all beneficiaries.

In some exceptional cases—such as serious illnesses or special medical conditions—state governments or hospitals may arrange additional financial support, but this is not guaranteed and does not apply universally.

Use the Ayushman Card Carefully

Given these rules, beneficiaries are advised to use the Ayushman card wisely and plan treatments carefully. Understanding the scheme’s limitations can help avoid unexpected problems and ensure maximum benefit from the government’s healthcare support.