The government has clearly defined who can and who cannot avail benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This scheme has been designed specifically for the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society, especially people working in the unorganised sector and those who are economically weak.

Before applying for an Ayushman Card, it is very important to understand the eligibility and ineligibility conditions. Applying without meeting the criteria can lead to rejection of the application or problems later while using the card.

Who usually gets the Ayushman Card?

Ayushman Cards are mainly issued to:

• Poor families in rural areas

• Workers from the unorganised sector

• Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families

• Families with disabled members

• Daily wage labourers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, helpers, conductors, and other vulnerable groups

The scheme is meant only for people who are financially very weak and do not have access to regular health insurance.

Who cannot get an Ayushman Card?

According to government guidelines, the following categories of people are considered ineligible, and their Ayushman Card cannot be issued:

1. People working in the organised sector whose PF (Provident Fund) is deducted

2. Beneficiaries of ESIC (Employee State Insurance Corporation)

3. Income tax payers or people falling under the tax-paying category

4. Those owning a pucca house or large property

5. People owning more than 5 acres of agricultural land

6. Those using agricultural machinery or industrial farming equipment

7. Individuals with monthly income above ₹10,000

8. Farmers who have taken agricultural credit of more than ₹50,000

9. People owning motor vehicles or costly machinery

10. Government employees or those holding permanent government jobs

11. Beneficiaries of any other government-sponsored health insurance scheme

People belonging to these categories are usually found ineligible during verification, and their applications are either rejected or cancelled later.

Warning for ineligible beneficiaries

It has been observed that some people who do not meet the eligibility criteria manage to obtain Ayushman Cards by providing incorrect information. The government has made it clear that if such cases are detected, beneficiaries may be asked to return the benefits received, and legal action may also be taken.

What are the options for ineligible people?

If you are not eligible for the Ayushman Card, you can still explore:

• State government health insurance schemes

• ESIC (if applicable)

• Employer-provided health insurance

• Private health insurance plans suited to your income level