Introduction 

This article provides comprehensive details on obtaining an Ayushman Bharat card and the eligibility criteria for eligibility. Readers can find information on application locations for an Ayushman Bharat Card and the advantages of possessing one within this piece.

What is the Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card, also referred to as the Ayushman Bharat Card, was introduced in 2018 under the Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India. This initiative aims to provide free medical treatment at government and select private hospitals. Presently, approximately fifty crore Indians are beneficiaries of Ayushman Cards, granting them access to healthcare services at no cost. Operating as an insurance-based healthcare program, the Ayushman Card facilitates cashless medical services up to Rs. 5 lakh annually per family. Accepted nationwide in both public and private healthcare facilities, it allows individuals to receive treatment without financial strain. Those who haven’t yet obtained an Ayushman Card are encouraged to apply to take advantage of its extensive benefits.

Key Features of Ayushman Card – 

The Ayushman Card, officially known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), boasts several key features:

1. Health Coverage: Provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

2. Cashless Treatment: Enables cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India, reducing financial burden during medical emergencies.

3. Wide Coverage: Covers a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including pre-existing diseases, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access.

4. Portability: The scheme is portable across all states and union territories of India, allowing beneficiaries to access benefits nationwide.

5. No Enrollment Fee: There is no enrollment fee or premium required to avail of the benefits under the Ayushman Card scheme.

6. Family Coverage: There is no cap on family size, ensuring all members are covered under a single card.

7. Easy Enrollment: Eligible families are identified through the SECC database or can apply online through the official portal or Common Service Centers (CSCs).

8. Accessibility: Accepted in both government and private hospitals, enhancing accessibility to quality healthcare services.

9. Financial Protection: Aims to provide financial protection to vulnerable families against high medical expenses, promoting healthcare inclusivity.

10. Comprehensive Benefits: Offers secondary and tertiary healthcare services, including hospitalization, surgeries, and treatments, ensuring holistic healthcare support.

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card:-

The eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card  are as follows:

Identification as per SECC Database: Families identified as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database are eligible. This includes households categorized as deprived and economically vulnerable based on defined criteria.

Deprived Categories: Specific categories of households are automatically eligible. These include:

• Families with no adult members between the ages of 16 and 59.
• Female-headed households with no adult male member aged 16-59.
• Families with disabled members and no able-bodied adult member.

Exclusion Criteria: The following categories are generally excluded from the scheme:

• Families having one or more members who are income tax payers.
• Families having one or more members employed in government jobs.
• Families already covered under other health insurance schemes provided by the central or state government.

No Income Criteria: There is no specific income criterion for eligibility under the Ayushman Card scheme. Eligibility is primarily based on the household’s inclusion in the SECC database or meeting the specified deprived categories.

Geographical Coverage: The scheme covers families across all states and union territories of India, ensuring nationwide accessibility.

Documents For Ayushman Card – 

Identification Proof: Any one of the following documents can be used:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card (EPIC)
• Passport
• Driving License
• PAN Card

Address Proof: Any one of the following documents can be used:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card (EPIC)
• Passport
• Driving License
• Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone, etc.)

Family Structure Details: Information about family members including their relationship to the head of the household.

Caste Certificate: In some cases, a caste certificate may be required for verification purposes.

Income Certificate: While income criteria are not a primary determinant of eligibility, an income certificate may be requested in certain cases to establish economic status.

Disability Certificate: If applicable, a disability certificate issued by a competent authority may be required for households with disabled members.

How To Register For an Ayushman Card 

Visit the Official Website:

• Go to the official Ayushman Bharat PMJAY website. The official website URL is https://pmjay.gov.in/.

Find the ‘Am I Eligible’ Section:

• Look for the ‘Am I Eligible’ section on the homepage. Click on it to check if your family is eligible based on the SECC database criteria.

Check Eligibility:

• Enter your mobile number and captcha code as required. Follow the instructions to verify your mobile number.

Enter Details:

• Provide necessary details such as state, district, name, address, and household details as per the SECC database.

Upload Documents:

• Upload scanned copies or clear photos of required documents such as identification proof (e.g., Aadhaar card), address proof (e.g., Aadhaar card or utility bill), and any other relevant documents (e.g., disability certificate if applicable).

Submit Application:

• After filling in all the required information and uploading documents, submit your application.

Receive Acknowledgment:

• Upon successful submission, you should receive an acknowledgment or application reference number.

Verification and Approval:

• Your application will be processed for verification. This may involve checking the details against the SECC database and validating the documents submitted.

Receive Ayushman Card:

• Once approved, you will receive your Ayushman Card (beneficiary identification number – BIN) via SMS or you can download it from the website.

How To Download an Ayushman Card?

1. Visit the Official Website:
   • Go to the official Ayushman Bharat PMJAY website. The official website URL is https://pmjay.gov.in/.
2. Login to Your Account:
   • If you have already registered and have an account, login using your credentials (username and password). If not, you may need to create an account first.
3. Navigate to the Dashboard:
   • Once logged in, navigate to the dashboard or the section where you can access your Ayushman Card or beneficiary details.
4. Locate ‘Download Card’ Option:
   • Look for an option like ‘Download Card’ or ‘Print Card’. This option is typically found under the beneficiary details section or a similar category.
5. Enter Beneficiary Details (if required):
   • If prompted, enter your beneficiary identification number (BIN) or other required details to fetch your Ayushman Card.
6. Download or Print:
   • After verifying your details, you should see an option to download or print your Ayushman Card. Click on the appropriate button to download it.
7. Save the Card:
   • Once downloaded, save the Ayushman Card file (usually in PDF format) to your computer or mobile device. Ensure you have a copy saved for future reference.
8. Accessing the Card Offline:
   • If you are unable to download the card online, you can also visit a nearby Common Service Center (CSC) where they can assist you in retrieving and printing your Ayushman Card.

Conclusion – 

The Ayushman Card, introduced under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), stands as a significant initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India since 2018. This scheme aims to provide free medical treatment at government and selected private hospitals to approximately fifty crore eligible Indians. Offering cashless healthcare services up to Rs. 5 lakh per year per family, it ensures comprehensive coverage for secondary and tertiary care across India. The Ayushman Card is characterized by its accessibility, portability, and wide acceptance in both public and private healthcare facilities. 

FAQ

1. Is Ayushman Bharat for everyone?

The AB-PMJAY scheme is aimed at providing healthcare support to individuals belonging to economically weaker sections of the population.

2. How do I check my Ayushman card eligibility?

You can also check your PMJAY eligibility offline by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). You will need to provide all the necessary documents required for the Ayushman Bharat eligibility check, and the CSC operator will help you check your eligibility.

3. Is the Ayushman card free?

Yes, Ayushman Bharat health card is free for eligible beneficiaries. What are the key exclusions in Ayushman Bharat health scheme? The key exclusions in Ayushman Bharat health scheme include cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, and organ transplants.