Punjab’s health insurance scheme

December 19, 2025

After the central government implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab announced the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. This scheme promises free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh for every family across the state. Its implementation was announced earlier, but it was delayed due to the floods in the Tarn Taran and Barnala districts. However, according to a recent announcement by Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme will now be implemented in all 23 districts of Punjab from January 2026. This cashless scheme, providing treatment up to Rs 10 lakh, was initially launched as a pilot project in Tarn Taran and Barnala. However, due to issues with the ideal code of conduct and the scale of the scheme (up to Rs 11 lakh), its implementation was delayed.

The benefit of the scheme was to be available through a public-private partnership, but the list of participating private hospitals was not finalized. Now, the government has finally decided to implement it from next year. It is expected that the scheme will be fully operational by Lohri next year. Significantly, people can avail of this scheme’s benefits not only in government hospitals but also in 500 private hospitals. Treatment for serious illnesses such as archery-related injuries, cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, and other serious ailments will also be covered under this scheme without any cost to the patient. It is said that 1950 types of treatments are included in this free scheme, available in both government and private hospitals.

Currently, a list of private hospitals where this scheme will be implemented is being compiled. Online applications for the scheme’s cards have been invited from the people of Punjab. It has also been clarified that people will continue to receive the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme (up to Rs 5 lakh) even after the implementation of this scheme. Thus, the total benefit will be up to Rs 15 lakh. This scheme is only for residents of Punjab; no state-specific card is required. The plan is very good, and its implementation is also welcome, but it will be implemented in private hospitals.