What are the AB PM-JAY and ABHA health cards? Explained
Following the extension of the AB PM-JAY health insurance scheme to all senior citizens, there is some amount of confusion over which card to apply for. Here’s a lowdown on what health cards are available, eligibility requirements, and benefits under the government scheme
On a recent morning in Madipakkam Chennai, a group of five octogenarians showed off their blue and white government health cards, their faces bright with hope, as they discussed the list of empanelled hospitals in their localities, where, when necessary, they hoped to use their cards. But will their cards work at a private hospital for what they are expecting — cashless treatment? Not if they have the incorrect cards.

Increasingly, a number of residents are mistakenly applying for the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, when what they intend to apply for is the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana card.