08:13
Mayank
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), stands as a pivotal healthcare initiative launched by the Indian government in September 2018. The primary objective of this program is to provide financial security to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged families, granting them access to top-tier healthcare services.
This initiative extends cashless healthcare benefits of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per eligible family per year at affiliated hospitals and healthcare providers nationwide. Recognized as one of the most impactful healthcare schemes globally, it aims to cover around 50 crore people in India.
PMJAY Scheme encompasses a range of healthcare services, including diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and treatment for various diseases. Furthermore, it covers expenses related to secondary and tertiary hospitalization, encompassing charges for Intensive Care Units (ICU) and associated medical costs.
What is Ayushman Card?
The issuance of the Ayushman Card, also known as the ABHA Health Card, is under the jurisdiction of the National Health Authority. This card facilitates access to a network of public and private hospitals across India, enabling individuals to benefit from cashless treatment and hospitalization at these affiliated healthcare facilities.
Key Advantages of Ayushman Bharat Card:
Financial Protection: Offers insurance coverage for specific medical treatments and hospitalization expenses, alleviating the financial burden on eligible families.
Cashless Healthcare: Enables beneficiaries to access cashless healthcare services at empaneled hospitals, eliminating upfront payments for eligible treatments and services.
Coverage for a Wide Range of Treatments: Encompasses surgeries, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, medications, and post-hospitalization care, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support.
Coverage for the Whole Family: Typically provides coverage on a family floater basis, allowing all eligible family members to benefit from a single card.
Portability: Benefits are portable, enabling beneficiaries to access healthcare services at any empaneled hospital or healthcare facility across India.
No Age Limit: No age limit for beneficiaries, ensuring coverage for both children and senior citizens.
No Cap on Family Size: Usually, there is no cap on the number of family members covered, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Digital Services: In some states, digital services are available, allowing beneficiaries to download an electronic version (e-Ayushman Card) for convenient digital access.
Access to Quality Healthcare: Encourages beneficiaries to seek treatment at empaneled hospitals, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, providing significant relief, especially for low-income families.
Universal Health Coverage: Aims to provide universal health coverage and improve access to healthcare services, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Card:
Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY website, ensuring you are on the correct portal based on your state.
Find the ‘Apply Now’ Section: Look for the section allowing you to apply for the Ayushman Card, often labeled as “Apply Now” or similarly.
Provide Necessary Information: Complete the application form with accurate details, including personal information, family details, income details, and other relevant data.
Upload Supporting Documents: Scan and upload necessary supporting documents, such as proof of identity, residence, income certificates, and other required documents.
Submit the Application: Once all required information and documents are uploaded, submit the application through the online portal.
Application Review: Authorities will review the submitted application, and this process may take some time.
Receive Ayushman Card: If the application is approved, the Ayushman Card will be sent to the provided address.
Download e-Ayushman Card (Optional): In some states, a digital version (e-Ayushman Card) can be downloaded from the official website for convenient digital access.
Utilizing the Ayushman Card:
Download Ayushman Card Online: Visit pmjay.gov.in and select the “Download Ayushman Card” option.
Enter Aadhar Card Number: Enter your Aadhar Card Number and proceed by entering the OTP received.
Review and Download: Review the digital copy of your Ayushman Card and proceed to download it.
Print Hard Copy: Print a hard copy for use when seeking cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals.
