The government expanded AB-PMJAY to provide free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above along with their families, irrespective of their socio-economic status. In addition, many States/UTs implementing AB-PMJAY have expanded the beneficiary base under the scheme, at their own cost.
To eliminate ineligible beneficiaries from the scheme, AB-PMJAY beneficiaries are verified through Aadhaar e-KYC at the time of creation of the card. Further, beneficiaries have to undergo Aadhaar authentication at the time of availing services. Aadhaar-authentication helps establish the identity of the eligible beneficiary.
National Health Authority (NHA) has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse and abuse and has been taking steps for prevention, detection, and deterrence of different kinds of irregularities that could occur in AB-PMJAY at different stages of its implementation.
NHA uses artificial intelligence technologies to detect potential cases of misuse in AB-PMJAY. Technologies deployed include rule-based triggers and Machine Learning algorithms, fuzzy logic, image classification and de-duplication, etc.
Such cases are checked through desk audits, field investigation subsequent to which appropriate action is taken including disabling of the Ayushman Cards, penalty, recovery or legal action is taken against the errant entity. This prevents any leakage or wastage of public funds.
