Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card | Benefits, Eligibility & Apply Online

In India, healthcare expenses can be a significant burden, especially for families with limited income. To address this, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card, a part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This initiative aims to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families by offering cashless access to quality healthcare services.

What is the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card is a government-issued card that entitles eligible families to receive cashless treatment for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Under the PM-JAY scheme, each eligible family is provided with an annual health cover of up to ₹5 lakh. The card facilitates access to a network of empanelled public and private hospitals across India.

Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card

The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card offers several advantages to its beneficiaries:

1. Cashless Hospitalization

Beneficiaries can avail themselves of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals without the need to pay upfront.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

The card covers a wide range of medical treatments, including surgeries, diagnostics, and pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.

3. No Age or Family Size Limit

There is no restriction on the age or size of the family. All members of an eligible family can benefit from the scheme.

4. Portability

The card allows beneficiaries to avail themselves of treatment at any empanelled hospital across India, ensuring portability.

5. Financial Protection

By covering significant medical expenses, the card helps protect families from financial hardship due to health-related issues.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card, families must meet certain criteria:

• Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 Data: Families identified under the SECC 2011 database are eligible.
• Economic Vulnerability: Families with an annual income below ₹5 lakh.
• Specific Categories: SC/ST families, landless households, and other identified categories.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above are also eligible for the scheme, even if they are not part of the SECC 2011 database. They can receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card

Applying for the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card can be done through the following methods:

1. Online Application

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the PMJAY official website.
• Check Eligibility: Click on the 'Am I Eligible' option and enter your mobile number and captcha code.
• Verify Details: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
• Registration: If eligible, you can proceed with the registration process.

2. Common Service Centers (CSCs)

• Locate a CSC: Find the nearest Common Service Center in your area.
• Provide Documents: Carry your Aadhaar card and other required documents.
• Assistance: The CSC operator will assist you in completing the application process.

3. Empanelled Hospitals

• Visit a Hospital: Go to any empanelled hospital in your locality.
• Provide Documents: Submit your Aadhaar card and other necessary documents.
• Assistance: Hospital staff will guide you through the application process.

4. Mobile Application

• Download the App: Install the 'Ayushman Bharat' mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Register: Follow the instructions within the app to check eligibility and apply for the card.

Documents Required

To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card, you will need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card: For identity verification.
• Ration Card: If available, to support income verification.
• Income Certificate: To confirm eligibility based on income.
• Caste Certificate: For SC/ST families.
• Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of family members.

Note: The specific documents may vary based on state regulations. It's advisable to check with the local authorities or the application center for the exact requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card valid across India?

Yes, the card is valid at all empanelled hospitals across the country, ensuring portability.

Q2: How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status by visiting the PMJAY official website and entering your details.

Q3: Is there any renewal process for the card?

No, the card is valid for a lifetime. However, it's essential to keep your details updated.

Q4: Can I use the card for outpatient treatments?

The card primarily covers inpatient hospitalization. Outpatient treatments may not be covered under the scheme.

Q5: Are there any exclusions under the scheme?

Certain procedures like cosmetic surgeries and non-medical expenses may not be covered. It's advisable to refer to the official guidelines for a comprehensive list.

Q6: Who can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card?

All eligible families identified through the SECC 2011 database, senior citizens, and economically vulnerable households can apply.

Q7: Can I apply if my family income is above ₹5 lakh per year?

Generally, the scheme targets families with annual income below ₹5 lakh. Some special categories may be eligible based on government criteria.

Q8: How much coverage does the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card provide?

Eligible families can avail of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

Q9: Can I use the card for emergency treatments?

Yes, the card can be used for emergency hospitalization at any empanelled hospital without upfront payment.

Q10: Do I need to pay any fees to get the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card?

No, the card is provided free of cost to eligible families.

Q11: Can I add new family members to my Ayushman Bharat card?

Yes, updates such as adding newborns or new family members can be done at the nearest Common Service Center or through the official portal.

Q12: How do I know which hospitals are empanelled under the scheme?

The PMJAY website provides a complete list of empanelled hospitals in every state. You can also check through the mobile app.

Q13: Can I use the card in private hospitals?

Yes, the card is valid in both government and empanelled private hospitals offering cashless treatment.

Q14: Is the card valid for repeat hospitalizations in the same year?

Yes, beneficiaries can use the card multiple times until the annual coverage limit of ₹5 lakh is exhausted.

Q15: How do I update my personal details on the card?

You can update details like address or mobile number through the official PMJAY portal or at a Common Service Center.

Q16: What should I do if my card is lost or damaged?

You can apply for a duplicate card online or through a Common Service Center by providing the required documents.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card is a significant step towards providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the economically vulnerable sections of society. By offering cashless treatment and comprehensive coverage, it ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality medical care.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the card is a straightforward process that can be done online, at Common Service Centers, or at empanelled hospitals. Ensure you have the necessary documents and take advantage of this beneficial scheme to safeguard your family's health.