Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme: Benefits, Eligibility & HIMCARE Card

Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme (HIMCARE) is a state health insurance scheme launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh on 1 January 2019 to provide cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to families not covered under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. The scheme covers 3,227 diseases and treatment packages across all major specialities. Eligible families can enrol online at app.hpsbys.in or through the nearest Lok Mitra Kendra.

Introduction of Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme: A Brief Insight

When the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, it covered families based on SECC 2011 data. Thousands of Himachal Pradesh families who genuinely needed health insurance but were not in that database were left without any coverage. A single hospitalisation for a surgery or critical illness could wipe out their entire savings. To fill this exact gap, the Government of Himachal Pradesh launched Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme, popularly known as HIMCARE.

Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana Society (HPSBYS) under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has implemented the scheme since 1 January 2019. HIMCARE provides cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year at all hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY within Himachal Pradesh. Treatment is also available at PGIMER Chandigarh and GMCH Sector 32, Chandigarh. The scheme covers more than 3,227 diseases and treatment packages across all major specialities, including General Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Critical Care.

The scheme has three premium categories. Category I covering BPL families, MNREGA workers with minimum 50 days work, Registered Street Vendors, and children in orphanages pays zero premium. Category II covering Ekal Naaris, disabled persons above 40%, ASHA Workers, Anganwadi Workers, Mid-Day Meal Workers, Daily Wage Workers, Contractual and Outsource Employees under Government bodies, and Senior Citizens above 70 years pays Rs. 365 per year. Category III, covering all other eligible Himachal Pradesh residents, pays Rs. 1,000 per year. Government servants, pensioners, and their dependents covered under Government medical reimbursement schemes are not eligible. Families already covered under AB-PMJAY are also not eligible.

New registrations open four times a year in March, June, September, and December. A Ration Card is mandatory for enrollment. Applicants can register online at app.hpsbys.in or through the nearest Lok Mitra Kendra or Common Service Centre. After approval, the HIMCARE E-card can be downloaded at app.hpsbys.in. As of 2025-26, more than 5.26 lakh HIMCARE cardholder families benefit from the scheme across Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh families who also qualify for the Central Government health scheme can explore the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides Rs. 5 lakh annual cashless health cover to eligible families at over 31,000 empanelled hospitals across India. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above in Himachal Pradesh can separately check their eligibility under the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme, which provides an additional Rs. 5 lakh health coverage to every Indian senior citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income.

Himachal Pradesh residents, families, and anyone looking for more health insurance schemes, welfare programmes, financial assistance initiatives, and social security benefits can also explore other available schemes under our Himachal Pradesh Government Schemes List section.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme provides comprehensive cashless health coverage to eligible Himachal Pradesh families at empanelled hospitals across the state and beyond.

Health Coverage Benefits

• Cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals
• Coverage includes 3,227 diseases and treatment packages across all major medical specialties
• Treatment available at all hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY within Himachal Pradesh
• Treatment also available at PGIMER Chandigarh and GMCH Sector 32 Chandigarh under MoU with HPSBYS
• Covers major surgeries, critical illnesses, hospitalisation expenses, and day-care procedures
• Covers medical specialities including General Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Critical Care

Family Coverage Benefits

• Complete family covered under one HIMCARE card, up to 5 members per unit
• Families with more than 5 members can enrol remaining members as a separate unit, subject to the 5-member cap per unit
• Facility to add or edit family members through the official portal at app.hpsbys.in

Digital and Online Benefits

• E-card issued on the analogy of Ayushman Bharat for paperless and cashless treatment
• Online card download and print facility at app.hpsbys.in
• Online enrollment, renewal, and status tracking facility through the official portal
• Claims are reimbursed directly into the hospital bank account through the host-to-host payment system

Premium Structure

• Category I beneficiaries: Zero premium, completely free enrollment
• Category II beneficiaries: Rs. 365 per year
• Category III beneficiaries: Rs. 1,000 per year
• Policy period: 1 year from the date of notification for all new registrations and renewals

HIMCARE vs Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Many Himachal Pradesh residents confuse HIMCARE with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Both schemes provide Rs. 5 lakh cashless health coverage but serve completely different target groups and operate under different authorities.

Himachal Pradesh residents who are already covered under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY should check their eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme if any family member is aged 70 years or above, as that scheme provides an additional Rs. 5 lakh health cover regardless of existing PM-JAY coverage.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to families seeking cashless health coverage under Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme as per the official guidelines of Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana Society.

Basic Eligibility

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh
• Family must not be covered under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme
• Applicant must have a valid Ration Card for enrollment
• Neither the Head of Family nor any dependent must be covered under Government medical reimbursement schemes for employees and pensioners, a written undertaking is required at the time of new registration or renewal

Category-wise Eligibility

• Category I (Free): BPL families not covered under Ayushman Bharat, Registered Street Vendors not covered under Ayushman Bharat, MNREGA workers who have worked a minimum of 50 days in the previous or current financial year, and children living in Orphanages
• Category II (Rs. 365 per year): Ekal Naaris (Widows, Divorced, Legally Separated, Unmarried women above 40 years), Disabled persons with above 40% disability, Mid-Day Meal Workers, Daily Wage Workers under Government/Autonomous Bodies/Societies/Boards/Corporations, Part Time Workers under Government bodies, Contractual Employees under Government bodies, Outsource Employees, ASHA Workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, Senior Citizens above 70 years
• Category III (Rs. 1,000 per year): All other residents of Himachal Pradesh not covered under Category I or Category II and not covered under any Government medical reimbursement scheme for employees and pensioners

Who Is Not Eligible Under HIMCARE

• Families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme
• Persons who are not permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh
• Government servants and pensioners or their dependent family members, are covered under the Government medical reimbursement schemes
• Families whose Ration Card is already enrolled under PM-JAY, such families cannot submit the HIMCARE application
• Applicants whose Ration Card number or Aadhaar Card number does not match the uploaded documents

Documents Required to be Attached

The following documents are required for enrollment under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme. Document requirements vary based on the category of the applicant.

Common Documents Required for All Categories

• Aadhaar Card of all family members to be enrolled
• Ration Card (mandatory, both front and back sides must be uploaded as clear scanned copies)
• Mobile number for SMS notifications and OTP verification

Category-wise Additional Documents

• BPL: BPL Certificate attested by the Panchayat Secretary within the previous month
• Registered Street Vendors: Registration Certificate attested by the Executive Officer of MC/NP/NAC within the previous one month
• MNREGA Workers: MNREGA Job Card and Online MIS Report showing minimum 50 days of work in the previous or current financial year, attested by the concerned Panchayat Secretary or BDO
• Ekal Naaris: Certificate from Child Development Program Officer (CDPO) of the concerned area covering Widows, Divorced, Legally Separated, and Unmarried women above 40 years
• Disabled above 40%: Medical Disability Certificate showing permanent disability
• Mid-Day Meal Workers: Certificate from the Block Elementary Education Officer of the concerned area
• Contractual, Daily Wage, Part-Time, and Outsourced Employees: Certification from the concerned Government Department
• ASHA Workers and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers: Certification from the concerned Department or authority

Important Instructions Before Uploading Documents

• All uploaded documents must be original scanned copies and clearly visible
• Enter the Ration Card number without the prefix “HP” during registration
• Upload both front and back sides of the Ration Card
• If the Ration Card number and Aadhaar Card number mismatch with the uploaded documents, the application will be rejected
• For occupation-specific documents, check the Occupation Details page on the official portal

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme accepts enrollment through three modes: online through the official portal, through Lok Mitra Kendra, or through Common Service Centre. New registrations open four times a year in the months of March, June, September, and December.

Method 1: Online Through Official Portal

Step 1: Visit the official HIMCARE enrollment portal at app.hpsbys.in

Step 2: Enter your Ration Card number in the registration box. Do not add the prefix “HP” while entering the number. For example, if your Ration Card number is HP20144145870, enter only 20144145870.

Step 3: Click on Register to proceed with registration. The enrollment form will appear on screen.

Step 4: Enter all required beneficiary information, including personal details, address, mobile number, and category details carefully.

Step 5: Upload all required documents as clear scanned copies. Upload both front and back sides of the Ration Card along with category-specific documents. All uploaded documents must be original scanned copies and clearly visible.

Step 6: Add all family member details for up to 5 members under one unit. If your family has more than 5 members, register the remaining members separately by adding a zero at the end of your Ration Card number for the second registration.

Step 7: Tick the Declaration Checklist as applicable and click Save and Next to proceed.

Step 8: Review all filled details carefully before final confirmation. Once the application is confirmed, no edits are possible.

Step 9: If a premium is applicable under Category II or Category III, complete online payment within 30 days of confirmation. If payment is not made within 30 days, the application will be treated as invalid and re-registration will not be allowed.

Step 10: After submission, track your application status at app.hpsbys.in enrollment status page, using your Reference Number or Ration Card Number. You will also receive an SMS on your registered mobile number after processing.

Step 11: After approval, download and print your HIMCARE card from app.hpsbys.in card download page.

Method 2: Through Lok Mitra Kendra or Common Service Centre (CSC)

Step 1: Visit the nearest Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK) or Common Service Centre (CSC) in your area with all required documents, including Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, and category-specific documents.

Step 2: Request the LMK or CSC operator to enrol your family under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme.

Step 3: The operator fills the HIMCARE enrollment form on your behalf through the official portal, uploads all required documents, and adds family member details.

Step 4: Pay the enrollment fee of Rs. 50 per family unit of up to 5 members to the LMK or CSC operator for their service charges. This is separate from the scheme premium.

Step 5: If a premium is applicable under your category, make the premium payment as directed by the operator.

Step 6: Collect the acknowledgement receipt after successful submission. Keep the Reference Number for future status tracking.

Step 7: Track your application status online at app.hpsbys.in using your Reference Number or Ration Card Number.

Step 8: After approval, download and print your HIMCARE card from the official card download portal.

How to Renew the HIMCARE Card

Step 1: Visit the official HIMCARE renewal portal at app.hpsbys.in renewal page.

Step 2: Enter your HIMCARE card number or Ration Card number and submit.

Step 3: Verify family details and update any changes if required.

Step 4: Upload updated category documents wherever required and submit the renewal request.

Step 5: Make a premium payment online wherever applicable within the prescribed time limit.

Step 6: Track your renewal status at app.hpsbys.in renewal status page.

Important Points to Remember

• Ration Card is mandatory for enrollment. Without a valid Ration Card, the application cannot be submitted
• If your Ration Card is already enrolled under PM-JAY, the HIMCARE application is not possible
• If the application is rejected, resubmit within 60 days from the date of action taken. After 60 days, the application is treated as invalid and no money is refunded
• New registrations open only in March, June, September, and December each year
• To add or edit family members in the existing HIMCARE card, visit app.hpsbys.in family member edit page
• To check the Ration Card link status, visit app.hpsbys.in Ration Card link status page

Important Links Available

• Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme Official Portal.
• HIMCARE Online Enrollment, Official Application Portal.
• HIMCARE Enrollment Status Check Online.
• Download and Print HIMCARE Card Online.
• HIMCARE Card Renewal Portal.
• HIMCARE Card Renewal Status Check Online.
• Add or Edit Family Members in HIMCARE Card.
• Check Ration Card Link Status, HIMCARE Portal.
• Occupation Documents Details, HIMCARE Portal.
• HIMCARE User Manual PDF, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Beneficiaries facing issues related to HIMCARE enrollment, card download, renewal, hospital empanelment, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• PMJAY/HIMCARE Toll Free: 18002021311
• Card Approvals (PMJAY/HIMCARE): 9418593553 / 9816006120
• Technical Support: 8091773886 (10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM)
• Technical Support Email: technicalquerieshpsbys@gmail.com
• Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana Society
  Thakur Villa, Kasumpti,
  Shimla 171009,
  Himachal Pradesh

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme?

Ans. Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme, commonly known as HIMCARE, is a state health insurance scheme launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh on 1 January 2019 to provide cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to families not covered under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

Q. Why was HIMCARE launched when Ayushman Bharat already exists?

Ans. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers families selected on the basis of SECC 2011 data. Many Himachal Pradesh families who were not included in that data were left without any health insurance coverage. HIMCARE was launched specifically to cover these left-out families and extend cashless health coverage to them.

Q. Who implements HIMCARE?

Ans. Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana Society (HPSBYS) under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh, implements the scheme.

Q. What is the health coverage under HIMCARE?

Ans. Eligible families receive cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals. The scheme covers 3,227 diseases and treatment packages across all major medical specialities.

Q. What is the premium under HIMCARE?

Ans. Premium varies by category. Category I beneficiaries, including BPL families, MNREGA workers, and children in orphanages, pay zero premium. Category II beneficiaries, including Ekal Naaris, disabled persons above 40%, and government contractual and daily wage workers, pay Rs. 365 per year. Category III, covering all other eligible residents, pays Rs. 1,000 per year.

Q. When do new HIMCARE registrations open?

Ans. New registrations under HIMCARE open four times a year in the months of March, June, September, and December. Policy period is 1 year for all new registrations and renewals from the date of notification.

Q. Is the Ration Card mandatory for HIMCARE enrollment?

Ans. Yes. Ration Card is mandatory for HIMCARE enrollment. Without a valid Ration Card, the application cannot be submitted. The Ration Card number must be entered without the HP prefix during online registration.

Q. Can a family already covered under PM-JAY apply for HIMCARE?

Ans. No. Families already covered under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY are not eligible for HIMCARE. If the Ration Card is already enrolled under PM-JAY, the HIMCARE application cannot be submitted.

Q. Can Government employees apply for HIMCARE?

Ans. No. Government servants, pensioners, and their dependent family members covered under Government medical reimbursement schemes are not eligible for HIMCARE. Applicants must give a written undertaking at the time of registration that neither the Head of Family nor any dependent is covered under any such scheme.

Q. How many members can be enrolled under one HIMCARE card?

Ans. Up to 5 members can be enrolled under one HIMCARE card as a single unit. If a family has more than 5 members, the remaining members must be registered separately as a second unit by adding a zero at the end of the Ration Card number.

Q. Where can HIMCARE cardholders avail treatment?

Ans. HIMCARE cardholders can avail of cashless treatment at all hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY within Himachal Pradesh. Treatment is also available at PGIMER Chandigarh and GMCH Sector 32 Chandigarh under an MoU with HPSBYS.

Q. How can beneficiaries download their HIMCARE card?

Ans. Beneficiaries can download and print their HIMCARE card online at app.hpsbys.in card download page after their enrollment is approved.

Q. What happens if the application is rejected?

Ans. If the application is rejected, the applicant must resubmit within 60 days from the date of action taken. If not resubmitted within 60 days, the application is treated as invalid and no premium amount is refunded.

Q. What happens if the premium payment is not made within 30 days?

Ans. If the premium payment is not completed within 30 days of application confirmation, the application is treated as invalid and re-registration will not be allowed.

Q. How can beneficiaries renew their HIMCARE card?

Ans. Beneficiaries can renew their HIMCARE card online at app.hpsbys.in renewal page by entering their HIMCARE card number or Ration Card number and completing the renewal process with premium payment wherever applicable.

Q. How can beneficiaries check their enrollment status?

Ans. Enrollment status can be checked online at app.hpsbys.in enrollment status page using the Reference Number or Ration Card Number.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.