Maharashtra’s Big Healthcare Leap, Free Insurance Coverage Now Extended to 2,399 Treatments Under MJPJAY and Ayushman Bharat

Maharashtra has taken a landmark step toward universal healthcare access. In a decisive move aimed at easing the medical burden on millions, the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a massive expansion of the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

The number of diseases and medical procedures covered under these flagship schemes will now rise from 1,356 to 2,399, bringing nearly all major and chronic ailments under the purview of free or cashless treatment for eligible citizens. Alongside, the number of medical specialties will expand from 34 to 38, ensuring a wider safety net across Maharashtra’s public and private hospital ecosystem.

A Milestone in Affordable Healthcare

This decision represents one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious healthcare reforms in recent years. The expansion comes after a detailed review by a government-appointed technical committee that assessed existing treatment packages under both the state and central insurance programs. The committee’s recommendations were then aligned with the National Health Authority’s (NHA) standards, ensuring parity with national guidelines and consistency in patient benefits.

Officials noted that the initiative is expected to drastically cut out-of-pocket healthcare costs, particularly for families below the poverty line and those in rural areas. In a state where non-communicable diseases and lifestyle disorders are on the rise, the new coverage list includes procedures for cardiac care, oncology, organ transplants, and advanced surgeries that were previously beyond reach for many.
 

Complex Procedures, Now Free of Cost

One of the most significant outcomes of this expansion is the inclusion of high-cost, specialized treatments that were earlier unavailable to economically weaker citizens. From neurosurgical operations to cancer therapies, the revised package ensures that complex procedures are now accessible at no cost in empanelled hospitals across the state.

“This expansion will provide a major relief to lakhs of economically weaker families who rely on government-supported healthcare. It marks a crucial step in strengthening the state’s social security net,” a senior health department official told The Indian Express.

Of the total 2,399 approved treatments, 223 have been earmarked exclusively for government hospitals. This targeted allocation aims to boost the utilization of public health facilities, encourage trust in the state’s healthcare network, and reinforce the long-term viability of government-run hospitals.
 

Standardized Packages, Better Accountability

To streamline implementation, the Maharashtra government has adopted the National Health Authority’s base package rates for all approved procedures, replacing the earlier system of category-based payments. Hospitals will now be reimbursed based on performance indicators and treatment outcomes, introducing a results-driven approach to public healthcare.

Under the revised framework, hospitals delivering higher-quality care and achieving better patient satisfaction scores will receive additional performance-based incentives. The regulatory council will continue to oversee pricing, treatment inclusion, and periodic revisions to ensure the system remains dynamic and responsive to evolving medical needs.

The Public Health Department Secretary has also been tasked with supervising the rollout and conducting quarterly evaluations. This mechanism will help identify bottlenecks early and maintain transparency across the empanelled hospital network.

Phased Rollout and Long-Term Vision

The state government’s strategy goes beyond expanding insurance coverage, it aims to rebuild trust in the public healthcare system. By reserving certain treatments exclusively for government hospitals and enhancing their capabilities, Maharashtra is effectively directing patient inflows back into its public institutions. This will not only optimize existing infrastructure but also reduce dependence on high-cost private facilities.

Moreover, the inclusion of new specialties such as nephrology, pediatric surgery, and geriatric care reflects a future-ready approach, focusing on demographic trends like aging populations and chronic disease management. This shift toward holistic, inclusive healthcare marks a fundamental rethinking of how public health insurance operates in India’s second most populous state.

Phased Rollout and Long-Term Vision

Officials confirmed that the expanded treatment list will be introduced in phases to ensure seamless execution. Periodic reviews will measure the policy’s impact on patient access, hospital performance, and fiscal sustainability. The move is expected to benefit nearly 2.2 crore eligible families under MJPJAY and AB-PMJAY combined, covering over 85% of the state’s population base.

Experts say the reform will bring Maharashtra closer to the “One Nation, One Health Card” vision by harmonizing state and central health benefits. With uniform package rates, improved monitoring, and digital health records integration, the scheme’s expansion could serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen healthcare delivery through public-private coordination.

A Healthier Maharashtra on the Horizon

Maharashtra’s expansion of free health insurance coverage to 2,399 treatments is more than a policy upgrade, it is a declaration of intent, that access to healthcare should not depend on one’s income. By combining fiscal prudence with compassion, the state has taken a decisive step toward healthcare equity.

As the new coverage comes into effect, it promises to transform the lives of millions who previously faced the impossible choice between treatment and financial stability. With this reform, Maharashtra is not only reducing medical debt but also reinforcing the belief that in a truly inclusive society, health is a right, not a privilege.