In a significant step towards universal healthcare, the Government of Punjab launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (MMSBY), now expanded and rebranded as the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY). This transformative scheme provides cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Designed to protect families from catastrophic medical expenses, it ensures that no resident of Punjab is left behind due to financial constraints.
What is the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (MMSBY/SSBY)?
The MMSBY/SSBY is Punjab’s flagship health assurance scheme. It offers a family floater cover of ₹5 lakh to eligible beneficiaries for cashless treatment across a wide network of empaneled government and private hospitals. The scheme is fully funded by the Punjab Government—eligible families do not pay any premium.
Key Features & Benefits at a Glance
- High Coverage: ₹5 Lakh per family per year on a floater basis.
- Cashless Treatment: Avail treatment without any upfront payment at empaneled hospitals.
- Wide Network: Access to hundreds of hospitals across Punjab and even some outside the state.
- Comprehensive Cover: Includes over 1,500 medical and surgical packages (e.g., cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, burns, poly-trauma).
- Pre-Existing Diseases Covered: From day one of enrollment.
- Transport Allowance: ₹500 per visit for day-care procedures.
- Paperless e-Card: The digitally signed e-Card is valid and can be easily downloaded.
Who is Eligible for the Punjab Sehat Bima Yojana?
The scheme aims for near-universal coverage. The following permanent residents of Punjab are eligible:
- All families included in the SECC 2011 database.
- All farmers registered with the Punjab Agriculture Department.
- All construction workers registered with the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
- Small traders registered with the Punjab Mandi Board.
- J-Form holders (proof of agricultural land purchase).
- Yellow Ration Card holders (AAY families) and Blue Card holders (Atta-Dal beneficiaries).
- Small & Marginal Farmers.
- Accredited journalists of the state.
- ASHA workers.
How to Apply & Get Your SSBY e-Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Your Existing Enrollment
Most eligible families are already enrolled. Simply verify your status:
- Visit the official portal: https://ssby.punjab.gov.in
- Click on “Search Your Family.”
- Search using your Aadhaar Number, Ration Card Number, or SECC ID.
- If found, download your e-Card immediately. This PDF is your valid card for cashless treatment.
Step 2: New Online Registration (If Not Found)
If your family is not in the database, follow these steps:
- On the same portal, click “New Registration” or “Register Your Family.”
- Fill in the form with accurate details: Head of Family’s name, mobile number, Aadhaar, family members’ details, and proof of eligibility (e.g., Farmer Registration Number).
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit to get a reference number. After departmental verification, your e-Card will be generated.
Step 3: Offline Registration Assistance
For those needing assistance, visit:
- Your nearest Punjab Sewa Kendra (B-1 level or above).
- District Bureau for Health Insurance office.
Carry all original documents for verification. The staff will help you complete the online registration.
List of Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card of Head of Family and all members
- Proof of Residence (Voter ID, Ration Card)
- Proof of Eligibility (e.g., Kisan Credit Card, Construction Worker Card, Yellow/Blue Ration Card, J-Form)
- Mobile Number (linked to Aadhaar preferred)
- Passport-sized photograph
How to Avail Cashless Treatment
- Locate a Hospital: Find an empaneled hospital using the ‘Hospitals’ section on the SSBY portal.
- Present Your e-Card: Show your downloaded SSBY e-Card and Aadhaar at the hospital’s help desk.
- Get Pre-Authorization: The hospital will verify your eligibility and obtain pre-authorization for treatment from the insurance provider.
- Receive Cashless Treatment: Once approved, you can undergo treatment without any cash payment for covered expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the downloaded e-Card valid for treatment?
Yes. The digitally signed PDF e-Card is fully valid. You do not need a physical plastic card.
Q2. What is the helpline number for SSBY?
You can call the toll-free health helpline 104 for any scheme-related queries.
Q3. Are there any co-payments or hidden costs?
No. The scheme provides fully cashless treatment for the covered packages. There is no co-payment for eligible families.
Q4. Can I get treatment outside Punjab?
Yes, for certain referred cases, treatment at select empaneled hospitals outside Punjab is covered. Check the network hospital list on the portal.
Q5. What if my mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar?
You can still register. However, linking aids in smoother verification and updates.
Conclusion
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana is a cornerstone of Punjab’s commitment to public health and financial security. By removing the barrier of high medical costs, it empowers millions of families to seek quality healthcare without fear.
Don’t wait for a medical emergency. Check your eligibility and download your e-Card today to secure your family’s health future.
Call to Action (CTA): Ready to secure your health cover?
- Verify & Download Your e-Card Now: Click here to search for your family on the SSBY portal
- Need Help? Visit your nearest Punjab Sewa Kendra or call 104.
(Note: This article is for informational purposes. For the most accurate and updated information, please refer to the official Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana website.)