Ayushman Card: Know Room Rent Coverage and Post-Discharge Benefits Under the PM-JAY Scheme

If you’ve recently received your Ayushman Card, you might be wondering what kind of hospital facilities you’re entitled to—and more importantly, how much room rent is covered and whether treatment continues after hospital discharge. The good news is that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) offers comprehensive medical coverage, not just during hospital stays but also before and after.

What Is Covered Under the Ayushman Scheme?

The Ayushman Bharat scheme is India’s flagship health insurance program, now functional in every state except West Bengal. It provides free treatment in both public and private hospitals. The scheme includes a detailed set of guidelines and health packages that define coverage limits, including hospital room charges.

If you’re admitted to a hospital using your Ayushman or Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, you won’t have to pay for room rent, doctor fees, tests, or medicines during hospitalization. Everything is covered as per pre-approved rates.

How Much Room Rent Is Covered?

You cannot simply choose any hospital room under the Ayushman scheme. The government has fixed rates for room categories, which hospitals are obligated to follow:

Ward Type Daily Room Rent Covered

General Ward	₹1,800
High Dependency Unit (HDU)	₹2,700
ICU (without ventilator)	₹3,600
ICU (with ventilator)	₹4,500

Hospitals must follow these standardized charges. You will be allotted a room based on your treatment package—not your preference.

Pre- and Post-Hospitalization Coverage

One of the key benefits of Ayushman Bharat is that it offers coverage even before and after hospitalization, just like private mediclaim policies:

• Pre-hospitalization: Up to 15 days before hospital admission, any diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, or medications are covered.

• Post-hospitalization: After discharge, for 15 days, follow-up tests, medicines, and consultation charges are also covered.

This ensures that beneficiaries receive holistic care from diagnosis to recovery—without any financial burden.

What If Someone Asks You to Pay?

If any hospital or staff member demands extra payment beyond the Ayushman coverage, such as higher room rent or treatment charges, it is illegal. The scheme clearly states that patients cannot be charged anything beyond the fixed rates.

In such cases, you should:

• Refuse to pay extra

• Call the toll-free Ayushman helpline at 14555 to lodge a complaint

The government actively monitors hospitals under this scheme to ensure compliance.

Ayushman Cards Now Issued in Delhi

Following the rollout of the scheme in Delhi, Ayushman Cards and Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards are now being distributed:

• Residents with Antyodaya Anna Yojana ration cards are eligible for the standard Ayushman Card.

• Seniors aged 70 years and above are being issued the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, which offers ₹10 lakh coverage—₹5 lakh from the central scheme and ₹5 lakh from the Delhi government.

Final Word

The Ayushman Bharat scheme is not just about free hospital admission—it’s a complete health protection plan. From room rent to post-treatment recovery, everything is covered. Just ensure you follow the official process and know your rights. If anything feels off, speak up and report it. With Ayushman, your health—and your wallet—are protected.