Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana is a cashless health insurance scheme launched by the Government of Uttarakhand on 25 December 2018, providing free medical treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to all permanent resident families in the state at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. No income restriction applies. Get your Golden Card at sha.uk.gov.in.
Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana (AAUY) |
| Launch Date | 25 December 2018 |
| Implementing Authority | State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | All permanent resident families of Uttarakhand |
| Income Restriction | No income restriction – APL and BPL both eligible |
| Age Restriction | No age limit |
| Family Size Restriction | No restriction – all family members covered |
| Annual Coverage | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Covered from Day 1 |
| Pre-hospitalization Coverage | 3 days |
| Post-hospitalization Coverage | 15 days |
| Medical Procedures Covered | Approximately 1,929 procedures |
| National Portability | Valid at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India |
| Total Families Covered | Approximately 23 lakh families (PM-JAY + AAUY) |
| Golden Card Required | Yes – mandatory for cashless treatment |
| Helpline | 104 (Toll Free) |
| Empanelled Hospital List | sha.uk.gov.in/CMS/GetHospitalList |
| Official Portal | sha.uk.gov.in |
Introduction of Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana: A Brief Insight
A serious illness can wipe out a family’s savings in a matter of days. For families in Uttarakhand without health insurance, a single hospitalisation for heart surgery, cancer treatment, or a kidney condition can push them into debt for years. To ensure that no family in Uttarakhand faces financial ruin due to medical expenses, the Government of Uttarakhand launched the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana on 25 December 2018.
When the Central Government launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on 23 September 2018, approximately 5 lakh families in Uttarakhand received cashless health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per year. However, the remaining 18 lakh families in the state were left out. The Government of Uttarakhand recognised this gap and launched the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana to extend the same benefit to every remaining family, making Uttarakhand the first state in India to achieve Universal Health Coverage for its entire population.
The State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand, implements the scheme using the same IT platform, the same empanelled hospitals, the same 1,929 medical procedures, and the same Rs. 5 lakh annual coverage as PM-JAY. Every permanent resident family of Uttarakhand is eligible, regardless of income, age, gender, or family size. All pre-existing conditions are covered from Day 1. The scheme also provides 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation coverage and carries national portability across all PM-JAY empanelled hospitals in India.
To avail cashless treatment, every eligible family must first obtain an Atal Ayushman Golden Card. Families can get their Golden Card made at any Common Service Centre, Jan Seva Kendra, or empanelled hospital by completing a simple e-KYC process using their Aadhaar card and Ration Card or Voter ID. In case of emergency, empanelled private hospitals provide treatment without referral. For non-emergency treatment at private hospitals, a referral from a government hospital is required. An Arogya Mitra at every empanelled hospital assists beneficiaries at every step.
Uttarakhand residents who are state government employees or pensioners can also explore the State Government Health Scheme (SGHS), which provides unlimited cashless coverage, including OPD treatment to state government employees, pensioners, and their families.
Farmers in Uttarakhand who need agricultural loan support can check the Deendayal Upadhyay Sahkarita Kisan Kalyan Yojana, which provides interest-free loans up to Rs. 3 lakh for agricultural and agri-allied activities through cooperative societies.
Residents of Uttarakhand looking for more health, welfare, and livelihood schemes can explore all available programmes on our Uttarakhand Government Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand, provides the following cashless health coverage benefits to all eligible families under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana at empanelled government and private hospitals across India:
- Cashless treatment coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation
- Coverage available at all empanelled government hospitals, AIIMS Rishikesh, and empanelled private hospitals
- No restriction on family size, age, or gender; all family members are covered under one Golden Card
- All pre-existing conditions covered from Day 1 – no waiting period
- 3 days pre-hospitalisation expenses covered, including diagnostics and medicines
- 15 days post-hospitalisation expenses covered, including follow-up care
- Covers approximately 1,929 medical procedures, including drugs, diagnostics, physician fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges
- National portability – Golden Card valid for cashless treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India
- Emergency cases: empanelled private hospitals provide treatment without referral
- Dedicated Arogya Mitra available at every empanelled hospital to assist beneficiaries
- Uttarakhand becomes the first state in India to achieve Universal Health Coverage for its entire population
Medical Treatment Categories Covered
| Category | Examples of Treatment |
|---|---|
| Cardiology | Heart surgeries, bypass surgery, cardiac procedures |
| Oncology | Cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy |
| Nephrology | Kidney-related treatment, dialysis |
| Orthopaedics | Bone and joint surgeries, fracture treatment |
| Neurology | Brain and nerve disorders, neurosurgery |
| General Surgery | Major surgical procedures, such as the appendix and hernia |
| Critical Care | ICU treatment, ventilator support |
| Gynaecology | Maternity care, delivery, and gynaecological surgeries |
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand, has kept the eligibility for the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana simple and inclusive. Every permanent resident family of Uttarakhand qualifies for coverage under this scheme:
- The family must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand
- No income restriction – both APL and BPL families are eligible
- No age limit – family members of all ages are covered
- No gender restriction – all family members, regardless of gender, are covered
- No family size restriction – all members of an eligible family are covered
- All pre-existing medical conditions are covered from Day 1 of enrollment
- Families already covered under PM-JAY are also covered and can use the same Golden Card
- The family must possess a valid Atal Ayushman Golden Card to avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
Who Is Not Eligible
- Persons who are not permanent residents of Uttarakhand
- Families who have not obtained a valid Atal Ayushman Golden Card
Documents Required to be Attached
Every eligible Uttarakhand family must carry the following documents to the nearest Common Service Centre, Jan Seva Kendra, or empanelled hospital to get their Atal Ayushman Golden Card made under the scheme:
- Aadhaar Card of the family member applying for the Golden Card
- Ration Card or NFSA Card of the family
- Voter ID Card as address proof confirming Uttarakhand residency
- SECC Household ID for families already covered under PM-JAY
- Passport size photograph of the applicant
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar for e-KYC verification
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
To avail cashless treatment under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana, every eligible family must first obtain an Atal Ayushman Golden Card. Without this card, cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals is not possible. The Golden Card registration process is simple and available through multiple methods. Once the Golden Card is made, the family can use it for cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital across India.
Method 1: Get Your Golden Card Made at a Common Service Centre or Jan Seva Kendra
Step 1: Locate your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra in your area. These centres are available across all districts, blocks, and villages of Uttarakhand.
Step 2: Visit the centre and inform the service provider that you want to get your Atal Ayushman Golden Card made. Carry your Aadhaar card, Ration Card or Voter ID, and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Step 3: The service provider will check your family’s eligibility on the official portal using your Ration Card number, Voter ID, or Aadhaar details. If your family is eligible, your name will appear on the screen.
Step 4: Complete the e-KYC process by providing your Aadhaar card and one identity proof. Pay the application fee of Rs. 30 at the Jan Seva Kendra for Golden Card registration.
Step 5: The service provider will register your family and generate the Atal Ayushman Golden Card. Collect the card after it is printed and keep it safely. Every family member can be added to the same Golden Card.
Method 2: Get Your Golden Card Made at an Empanelled Hospital
Step 1: Visit any empanelled hospital in your district. Look for the Arogya Mitra helpdesk at the hospital entrance or reception area. The Arogya Mitra is specifically posted to assist Atal Ayushman beneficiaries.
Step 2: Meet the Arogya Mitra and inform them that you want to get your Atal Ayushman Golden Card made. Carry your Aadhaar card, Ration Card or Voter ID, and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Step 3: The Arogya Mitra will check your eligibility on the portal, complete the e-KYC verification using your Aadhaar and identity proof, and register your family under the scheme.
Step 4: After successful registration and verification, the Arogya Mitra will generate and print your Atal Ayushman Golden Card at the hospital itself. Collect the card and keep it safely for future use.
Method 3: Get Your Golden Card Made at a Municipal Office Camp
Step 1: The State Health Authority and local municipal bodies periodically organise special Golden Card camps at municipal offices, gram panchayat offices, and community centres across Uttarakhand. Watch for announcements about such camps in your area through local news and official government social media channels.
Step 2: Visit the camp with your Aadhaar card, Ration Card or Voter ID, and mobile number. Government officials at the camp will verify your eligibility, complete e-KYC, and generate your Atal Ayushman Golden Card on the spot at no additional cost.
How to Avail Cashless Treatment After Getting Your Golden Card
Step 1: Visit any empanelled government or private hospital in India. Check the list of empanelled hospitals at sha.uk.gov.in/CMS/GetHospitalList or at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
Step 2: Go to the Arogya Mitra helpdesk at the hospital. Show your Atal Ayushman Golden Card and Aadhaar card for identity verification.
Step 3: The Arogya Mitra will verify your eligibility on the hospital’s system and confirm your coverage under the scheme. For non-emergency treatment at a private empanelled hospital, carry a referral letter from a government hospital.
Step 4: After eligibility verification, the hospital will admit you under the cashless treatment facility. You do not need to pay for any treatment covered under the scheme’s 1,929 medical procedures.
Step 5: After treatment and discharge, the hospital directly claims the treatment cost from the State Health Authority. You do not need to pay and then seek reimbursement. The entire process is completely cashless from admission to discharge.
Important: If any empanelled hospital refuses to provide cashless treatment, call the Uttarakhand Government helpline at 104 immediately to report the issue. You can also raise a grievance directly at sha.uk.gov.in. The Arogya Mitra at every empanelled hospital is available to assist you at every step of the treatment process.
Difference Between PM-JAY and Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana
Many families in Uttarakhand are unsure whether they are covered under PM-JAY or Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana or both. The table below clearly explains the difference between the two schemes:
| Particulars | PM-JAY | Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Type | Central Government scheme | State Government scheme |
| Launched By | Government of India | Government of Uttarakhand |
| Launch Date | 23 September 2018 | 25 December 2018 |
| Families Covered in Uttarakhand | Approximately 5 lakh families | Approximately 18 lakh additional families |
| Eligibility Basis | SECC 2011 deprivation criteria – income-based | All permanent resident families of Uttarakhand – no income restriction |
| Annual Coverage | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year |
| IT Platform | National PM-JAY platform | Same platform as PM-JAY |
| Empanelled Hospitals | All PM-JAY empanelled hospitals in India | Same empanelled hospitals as PM-JAY |
| Medical Procedures | Approximately 1,929 procedures | Same 1,929 procedures |
| National Portability | Yes | Yes |
| Golden Card | Ayushman Card | Atal Ayushman Golden Card |
In simple terms, PM-JAY covered only economically weaker families based on SECC 2011 data. Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana covers all remaining families in Uttarakhand who were left out of PM-JAY. Both schemes provide the same Rs. 5 lakh cashless coverage at the same empanelled hospitals. Together, they make Uttarakhand the first state in India to achieve Universal Health Coverage for its entire population.
What Should You Do If an Empanelled Hospital Refuses Cashless Treatment
Every empanelled hospital under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana is obligated to provide cashless treatment to eligible Golden Card holders. If any empanelled hospital refuses cashless treatment, take the following steps immediately:
Step 1: First, speak to the Arogya Mitra helpdesk at the hospital. Show your valid Atal Ayushman Golden Card and Aadhaar card. The Arogya Mitra is responsible for resolving eligibility and admission-related issues at the hospital level.
Step 2: If the Arogya Mitra does not resolve the issue, ask to speak to the hospital’s Nodal Officer for Ayushman Bharat. Every empanelled hospital has a designated Nodal Officer who handles scheme-related complaints.
Step 3: If the hospital still refuses cashless treatment, call the Uttarakhand Government toll-free helpline at 1905 or file a complaint on the Uttarakhand CM Helpline Portal immediately. Provide your name, Golden Card number, hospital name, and details of the refusal. The helpline operates to assist beneficiaries facing difficulties in accessing cashless treatment.
Step 4: Register a formal grievance through the State Health Authority portal at sha.uk.gov.in. Provide full details of the hospital, date of visit, treatment required, and reason given for refusal. The State Health Authority reviews all grievances and takes action against empanelled hospitals that refuse eligible beneficiaries.
Important: Keep a record of the hospital name, date, and any written or verbal communication regarding the refusal. This information will help in the faster resolution of your complaint through the helpline or the SHA grievance portal.
Important Links Available
- Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana Official Page – State Health Authority
- State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand Official Portal
- Find Empanelled Hospitals Under Atal Ayushman Yojana
- Ayushman Card Details – Health Department Uttarakhand
- Find PM-JAY Empanelled Hospitals Across India
- Government of Uttarakhand Official Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Office: State Health Authority, Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Helpline: 155368, 18001805368
- Email: ceo-shauk@uk.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana?
Ans. Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana (AAUY) is a cashless health insurance scheme launched by the Government of Uttarakhand on 25 December 2018. It provides free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at empanelled government and private hospitals. The scheme extended health coverage to approximately 18 lakh additional families in Uttarakhand who were not covered under PM-JAY, making Uttarakhand the first state in India to achieve Universal Health Coverage for its entire population.
Q. What is the difference between PM-JAY and Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana?
Ans. PM-JAY is a Central Government scheme that covers approximately 5 lakh families in Uttarakhand based on SECC 2011 deprivation criteria. Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana is a state scheme launched by the Uttarakhand Government to extend the same Rs. 5 lakh cashless treatment benefit to the remaining 18 lakh families not covered under PM-JAY. Both schemes use the same IT platform, the same empanelled hospitals, the same health benefit packages, and the same coverage amount. Together, they cover approximately 23 lakh families across Uttarakhand.
Q. Who is eligible for Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana?
Ans. Every permanent resident family of Uttarakhand is eligible. There is no income restriction – both APL and BPL families are covered. There is no age limit, no gender restriction, and no family size restriction. All family members are covered under one Golden Card.
Q. How much treatment coverage does the scheme provide?
Ans. The scheme provides cashless treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The Rs. 5 lakh limit is on a family floater basis – one or all members of the family can use it during the year.
Q. What is the Atal Ayushman Golden Card?
Ans. The Atal Ayushman Golden Card is the beneficiary identification card that every eligible family must obtain to avail cashless treatment under the scheme. Without a valid Golden Card, cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals is not available. Families can get their Golden Card made at Common Service Centres, Jan Seva Kendras, empanelled hospitals, or during special government camps.
Q. How can I get my Atal Ayushman Golden Card made?
Ans. Visit your nearest Common Service Centre or Jan Seva Kendra with your Aadhaar card, Ration Card or Voter ID, and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. The service provider will verify your eligibility, complete e-KYC, and generate your Golden Card. A nominal fee of Rs. 30 applies at Jan Seva Kendras. You can also get your card made at any empanelled hospital through the Arogya Mitra helpdesk or during special Golden Card camps organised by local bodies.
Q. Are pre-existing conditions covered under this scheme?
Ans. Yes. All pre-existing medical conditions are covered from Day 1 of enrollment. There is no waiting period for any pre-existing illness under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana.
Q. Can beneficiaries use the Golden Card outside Uttarakhand?
Ans. Yes. The scheme has national portability. Beneficiaries can use their Atal Ayushman Golden Card for cashless treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India. Check the list of empanelled hospitals at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
Q. Can beneficiaries take treatment at private hospitals?
Ans. Yes. Beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment at empanelled private hospitals. In emergency cases, empanelled private hospitals provide treatment without any referral. For non-emergency treatment at private hospitals, a referral from a government hospital is required.
Q. How can I check whether my family is eligible?
Ans. Visit sha.uk.gov.in and check your family eligibility using your Voter ID number, Ration Card number, or Aadhaar number. You can also download the Atal Ayushman App and check eligibility directly through the app.
Q. How can I find empanelled hospitals near me?
Ans. Visit sha.uk.gov.in/CMS/GetHospitalList to check the district-wise list of all empanelled government and private hospitals in Uttarakhand. You can also search for empanelled hospitals across India at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
Q. What should I do if an empanelled hospital refuses cashless treatment?
Ans. Call the Uttarakhand Government toll-free helpline at 104 immediately to report the issue. You can also raise a formal grievance through the State Health Authority portal at sha.uk.gov.in. The Arogya Mitra at every empanelled hospital is available to assist and resolve any issues during treatment.
Q. What is an Arogya Mitra?
Ans. An Arogya Mitra is a dedicated helpdesk representative posted at every empanelled hospital under the scheme. The Arogya Mitra assists beneficiaries with eligibility verification, Golden Card generation, cashless admission process, and any queries related to treatment under the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana.
Q. How many families does the scheme cover in Uttarakhand?
Ans. PM-JAY covers approximately 5 lakh families in Uttarakhand. Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana covers an additional 18 lakh families. Together, both schemes cover approximately 23 lakh families – practically the entire population of Uttarakhand.
Q. Does the scheme cover hospitalisation expenses only or OPD treatment as well?
Ans. The scheme covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation expenses, including 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation costs. OPD treatment is not covered under AAUY. OPD benefits are available under the State Government Health Scheme (SGHS), which covers state government employees and pensioners.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme 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.