'Ayushman Bharat'-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana: All you need to know

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced much-awaited 'Ayushman Bharat'-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana that provides a health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakhs to over 50 crore Indians.

Here is all you need to know about the healthcare scheme that was first announced during the Union Budget in February 2018.

Cost of the scheme: The government's most anticipated project 'Ayushman Bharat' will cost approximately Rs 12,000 crore annually.

Coverage: As mentioned by Mr Prime Minister, the scheme will cover 1,300 illnesses, including serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, and pre-existing illnesses. Private hospitals, too, will be part of this scheme.

Coverage Amount: Under the scheme, the person will be covered with an amount of up to Rs 5 lakhs that will cover investigations, medicine and pre-hospitalization expenses, etc.

How to avail benefit: A golden card will be issued to the beneficiary; he/she will have to present the card at the hospital for cashless treatment. For those, who do not have the card can utilise the benefit with the help of their hand finger impressions.

Hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat: More than 13,000 hospitals across the country have joined the scheme so far. Information regarding the scheme is available on dialling 14555, or at the common service centres.

When will it come to effect: Till now, 31 states and Union territories (UTs) have signed the MoUs with the centre for implementing the programme. Remaining states and UTs, including Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, Kerala and Punjab, have not signed it. As soon as all agrees, the policy will be eligible to come into effect.