Over the years, the Indian Government has devised multiple initiatives to facilitate a better livelihood for the poor. One of them is the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). It is one of the many schemes aiming to make healthcare easily accessible to the economically backward masses.

Not sure if this scheme can benefit you?

Well, here is a detailed discourse on the “what, how, and for whom” of this government initiative. Read on for a thorough understanding!

The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana is a healthcare coverage scheme launched by Maharashtra’s State Government. It was initially introduced as the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana. The scheme aims to provide affordable and quality medical care to individuals below or marginally above the poverty line.

This healthcare scheme also covers surgical procedures and related consultation and hospitalisation expenses.

The MJPJAY scheme was first launched in July 2012. It was valid only in 8 districts of Maharashtra. Later, the scheme became functional in all 35 districts from November 2015. Since then, anyone holding a valid document could avail of free healthcare services from network hospitals.

Let us check the list of medical procedures covered under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana eligibility requirements demand individuals meet the following parameters to qualify as beneficiaries:

• Individual applicants must have an annual income of less than Rs.1 lakh.
• Should hold White/Orange/Yellow Ration Card, Annapurna Card, or Antyodaya Anna Yojana Card (AAY).
• Registering families must belong to the identified distressed districts of Maharashtra.
• Farmers belonging to agriculturally distressed districts of Maharashtra can also sign up for this insurance policy.
• Farmers from agriculturally distressed districts are identified using their 7/12 extract, White Ration Card, and the name of the beneficiary or family head, along with a certificate from the relevant Patwari or Talathi.

Here is a list of all mandatory documents that you need to submit to qualify for the MJPJAY scheme.

Any of the following KYC photo IDs:

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Passport
• Driving license
• Voter ID
• Senior citizen card 
• Handicap certificate
• Bank passbook with photograph
• Marine fishers ID card
• Defense ex-service card 
• College or school ID
• Freedom fighter ID card
• Any other photo identity proof issued by the Maharashtra State Government or Central Government of India. You can also provide a valid yellow, orange, or white ration card

To register a child born after issuing a health card, his/her authorised birth certificate, photo with either parent, and the parent’s yellow, orange, or white ration card must be issued.

Once you have checked your eligibility and gathered all Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana documents, proceed with the registration process.

In case you do not have a clue as to how to avail of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana online registration, here is a step-by-step guide.

• Step 1: Go to the official website of MJPJAY.

• Step 2: On the home page, click on “New Registration.”
• Step 3: Next, the next page will redirect you to the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana online application form. 
• Step 4: Fill in all the mandatory fields with accurate details. 
• Step 5: Attach scanned copies of the mandatory documents previously mentioned.
• Step 6: Click on “Submit.”

Upon completing the above procedure, you will be successfully registered under this insurance scheme. After that, you can raise a claim anytime you need to avail of medical treatment.

You can apply for the MJPJAY card in person at a local government health facility by contacting an Aarogyamitra, who is the scheme representative. They will assist you in obtaining the MJPJAY health card.

To apply for an MJPJAY card online, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Go to MJPJAY's official website.
• Step 2: On the home screen, click on New Registration.
• Step 3: Complete the form completely, attach scanned copies of the necessary paperwork, and press the Submit button. 
• Step 4: After your registration has been approved, you are free to file a claim whenever needed.

Following is a step-by-step overview of the claim procedure for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana scheme.

• Step 1: Visit your nearest network hospital to get your medical condition diagnosed.
• Step 2: The hospital authorities will send a digital pre-authorisation request to the insurance company.
• Step 3: Upon approval, the treatment procedure will commence. In case of emergencies, this procedure is instant and is not delayed by e-authorisation requirements.
• Step 4: If the diagnosis does not take place in a network hospital, then the Arogyamitra will issue a referral card. You need to produce this card at an empanelled hospital to avail of cashless treatment.

After completing the medical procedure, the network hospital will share all essential details like diagnostic reports, treatment summary, and final bill with the insurer. The latter will verify all submitted documents to initiate claim settlement.

The steps below should help you access the hospital list associated with the MJPJAY. To find a list of hospitals under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Maharashtra State Government or the specific health department handling the MJPJAY.

Step 2: Search for MJPJAY Information: Look for a section dedicated to the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana or a health insurance section.

Step 3: Locate the Hospital List: A link or document should list the empanelled hospitals under the scheme. This might be a downloadable PDF or an online directory.

Step 4: Contact the Local Health Office: If you have trouble finding the information online, visit or contact your local health office or district collector’s office for assistance.

Step 5: Check with Insurance Providers: Sometimes, insurance companies collaborating with the scheme also have lists of network hospitals. Check with them for more details.

To undergo hospitalisation under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), confirm your eligibility for the scheme. Then, identify an empanelled hospital by checking the official MJPJAY website or contacting local health offices. Obtain pre-authorisation from the insurance provider or hospital insurance desk for planned admissions by submitting the necessary documents.

Present your MJPJAY card upon arrival at the hospital to begin the admission process. The hospital will manage the claim process with the insurer, and you should ensure all treatments and procedures are covered. Upon discharge, review and settle any bills as per the scheme’s guidelines and collect your discharge summary and related documents.

The toll-free helpline number and address of MJPJAY are:

Toll-Free Number: 1800-233-2200 / 155 388

Address: Jeevandayee Bhavan, ESIC Hospital Compound, Near Worli Naka, Behind Poddar Hospital, Ganpat Jadhav Marg, Worli, Mumbai - 400018.

Purchasing the best health insurance in India is now necessary due to the escalating healthcare costs. Now that you are well acquainted with the detailed registration and claim procedure delay no more. Check your eligibility and enrol yourself and your family under the MJPJAY scheme at the earliest to avail yourself of optimum benefits.