Bihar pushes up its Ayushman Bharat health insurance coverage

Bihar pushes up its Ayushman Bharat health insurance coverage

  • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched 2018.

  • Coverage: Provides cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year (secondary & tertiary care).

  • Bihar Status:

    • 3.94 crore Ayushman cards created till June 2025.

    • Beneficiaries saved ₹1,000+ crore in medical expenses in one year.

    • 2.83 crore Ayushman cards created in 2024 alone.

    • Bihar among top States in enrolment (along with UP & MP).

  • Population Context: Bihar is 3rd most populous State, ~80% rural, literacy <70%. Faces challenges like high infant & maternal mortality, malnutrition, poor healthcare access.

  • Recent Drive: May 26–30, 2025 → 17.38 lakh new enrolments.

  • Database Used:

    • Initially SECC 2011 data.

    • Since Feb 2024 → National Food Security Act (NFSA) database (ration cardholders included).

  • Incentives:

    • ASHA workers get ₹15 (earlier ₹5) per verified enrolment.

    • Camps at railway stations, door-to-door campaigns.

  • Special Schemes:

    • Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card (senior citizens 70+).

    • Enrolled 2.82 lakh persons recently.

  • Hospitals:

    • 1,100+ hospitals empanelled, 50% private.

    • In Gaya district alone (2024-25) → 18,734 treated in govt hospitals, ₹15 crore spent.

  • Impact: Affordable quality healthcare is reaching rural poor.

  • Challenges: Awareness gap — many enroll only when they need treatment.