The government of Odisha is getting ready to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This is an important move because Odisha did not join the scheme when it was first started in 2018. In this article, we will explain what the Ayushman Bharat scheme is, why Odisha is deciding to join now, and how people in the state can benefit from it.
- What is Ayushman Bharat Odisha?
- Why Did Odisha Initially Opt Out?
- Current Developments
- Benefits of Joining Ayushman Bharat Odisha 2024
- How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Odisha 2024 Online?
- Conclusion
What is Ayushman Bharat Odisha?
Ayushman Bharat is a health insurance program started by the Government of India. Its goal is to make healthcare affordable for families with low incomes. Here are some important points about the program:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2018 |
| Coverage Amount | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Eligible Families | Around 10 crore families across India |
| Age Limit | No age limit for beneficiaries |
| Types of Treatments Covered | Hospitalization, surgeries, and more |
The scheme helps pay for different medical costs, like hospital stays, surgeries, and treatment for serious illnesses. This means families can get the healthcare they need without being afraid of high bills.
Why Did Odisha Initially Opt Out?
Odisha was one of the states that chose not to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme when it started. The old government, which was run by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), thought that its own health program called the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) was better for the people of Odisha. The BSKY program was designed to help with healthcare costs, especially for the poorest families.
Comparison of BSKY and Ayushman Bharat
| Aspect | BSKY | Ayushman Bharat |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | Up to ₹5 lakh | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Target Beneficiaries | Low-income families in Odisha | 10 crore families nationwide |
| Implementation | State-specific | Central scheme |
Even though the BSKY program had its advantages, changes in the political situation made the government rethink its health policies in Odisha.
Current Developments
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently won the elections in Odisha. They promised to start the Ayushman Bharat scheme if they were elected. They said they would do this within 100 days of starting their work. Now, the state government is talking with the National Health Authority (NHA) to finalize the agreement to join the scheme.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Ayushman Bharat launched |
| 2024 | BJP promises to implement the scheme |
| September 2024 | Advanced discussions between Odisha and NHA |
The talks between the Odisha government and the National Health Authority are going well and are close to being finished. They expect to sign an agreement soon, which means the Ayushman Bharat scheme could start in Odisha in just a few weeks.
Benefits of Joining Ayushman Bharat Odisha 2024
By joining Ayushman Bharat, Odisha residents can expect several benefits:
Increased Coverage: Families that make less than ₹8 lakh a year can get health insurance.
Broader Access to Healthcare: The scheme includes over 1,500 types of medical treatments and procedures.
Cashless Transactions: People who are covered can get treatment at certain hospitals without having to pay any money upfront.
Support for Senior Citizens: The government has recently added more benefits for older people aged 70 and above, making it easier for them to get healthcare.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Odisha 2024 Online?
People living in Odisha will soon be able to apply for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The process to apply is simple and can be done online. Here’s how you can apply:
Here’s how to apply for the Ayushman Bharat scheme:
STEP 1: Go to the official Ayushman Bharat website.
STEP 2: Type in your mobile number where it asks for it.
STEP 3: Complete the captcha to prove you’re not a robot.
STEP 4: Check your mobile for an OTP (one-time password) and enter it to log in.
STEP 5: Select Odisha as your state for the application.
STEP 6: To see if you qualify, enter your mobile number, name, ration card number, or RSBY URN.
STEP 7: If eligible, your name will appear on the right side of the screen.
Conclusion
Odisha’s choice to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme is an important step for the state’s public health. The scheme will offer important health coverage to families that need it the most. This means that people in Odisha can expect better access to healthcare and financial help during medical emergencies. In the next few weeks, it will be very important as the state gets ready to start this important program.