Who is newly eligible under the expansion in Delhi?

Delhi will add about 5.5 lakh families linked to widow and disability pensions, along with their households, under PM-JAY. This brings more low-income residents into cashless hospital coverage at empanelled facilities, improving access to inpatient and select day-care procedures while reducing out-of-pocket expenses for critical treatments.

How could hospitals in Delhi benefit from this policy?

Hospitals can see higher insured patient volumes, better bed utilisation, and steadier cash flows. While government package rates are lower than private tariffs, predictable claims and fewer bad debts can support working capital. Strong discharge planning, accurate coding, and quick pre-authorisations will help protect margins under PM-JAY.

What should investors watch over the next two quarters?

Track occupancy rates, shifts in payor mix toward government schemes, average length of stay, and claim settlement timelines. Also watch empanelment additions, denial rates, and any changes to package rates. Clear disclosures on receivable days and PM-JAY volumes will indicate how fast Ayushman Bharat Delhi is scaling.

How will beneficiaries access care under the expanded coverage?

Beneficiaries will be identified from government pension lists and onboarded for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. At the hospital, eligibility will be verified, followed by pre-authorisation for relevant packages. Clear documentation and discharge summaries help smooth claims, reducing delays and out-of-pocket spend for patients.

Law and Government

Ayushman Bharat Delhi Adds 550,000 Families to PM-JAY — February 26

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

Ayushman Bharat Delhi will extend PM-JAY eligibility to about 550,000 additional families from February 26, including widow and disability pension beneficiaries and their households. This policy change broadens Delhi health coverage and should lift insured patient volumes across empanelled hospitals. For investors, higher utilization, steadier cash flows, and improved operating leverage are in focus. We outline who benefits, expected timelines, and key risks. With clear paths for onboarding and claims, Ayushman Bharat Delhi can be a near-term positive for healthcare services in the capital.