Ayushman Bharat Health Card: Your Complete Guide to Benefits and Eligibility

The Ayushman Bharat Health Card is a vital tool introduced under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), aimed at ensuring universal healthcare access for millions of Indian citizens. It allows individuals to access cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across the country. This guide will provide you with every critical detail about the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, its benefits, eligibility, application process, and more.

What is Ayushman Bharat Health Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Card serves as a digital identity that allows beneficiaries to receive cashless healthcare services up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year. It is issued under the AB PM-JAY, one of the largest healthcare schemes globally, focusing on providing financial protection and quality medical care to underprivileged families.

Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Health Card

1. Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless medical services at any empanelled hospital.
2. Coverage of Rs. 5 Lakhs: Each eligible family is covered for up to Rs. 5 lakhs annually.
3. All-India Portability: The Ayushman Bharat Health Card is valid across India in over 25,000 hospitals.
4. Coverage of Critical Illnesses: Treatments for diseases like cancer, heart disease, kidney transplants, and more are covered.
5. No Age or Family Size Limit: The scheme covers all family members, irrespective of age or family size.

Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Health Card

• Financial Protection: It safeguards families from massive medical expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: Beneficiaries can receive treatment from empanelled private and government hospitals.
• Empanelled Hospital Network: More than 25,000 hospitals, both public and private, are part of the program.
• Inclusion of Daycare Procedures: It covers daycare procedures, ensuring a wide range of medical services.
• Pre-Hospitalization and Post-Hospitalization: Expenses incurred up to 15 days before and 15 days after hospitalization are also covered.

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat Health Card

To obtain the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:

For Rural Families:

1. Families living in kuccha houses.
2. Families without adult earning members aged between 16 and 59.
3. SC/ST households.
4. Landless families dependent on manual labor.
5. Individuals belonging to vulnerable groups such as beggars, destitutes, and manual scavengers.

For Urban Families:

The following occupational categories qualify:

• Street vendors
• Domestic workers
• Construction workers
• Sanitation workers
• Drivers, rickshaw pullers, and other daily wage earners.

Eligibility is determined based on SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) 2011 data.

Documents Required to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Card

To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, the following documents are necessary:

1. Aadhar Card
2. Ration Card
3. Mobile Number
4. Family Identification Documents (if applicable)
5. SECC Database Proof

Ensure that all documents are up-to-date to avoid any delays in the approval process.

Steps to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Card

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Card:

1. Check Eligibility

• Visit the official PM-JAY website.
• Enter your mobile number and captcha code to check eligibility.

2. Verification Process

• Your details will be verified using the SECC 2011 database.
• Confirm your eligibility with Aadhar-based verification.

3. Visit Common Service Centers (CSCs)

• If eligible, visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra Kiosk for further assistance.

4. Submission of Documents

• Submit the required documents for verification.

5. Issuance of Ayushman Bharat Health Card

• Once verified, the health card will be issued.
• The card can be downloaded from the official PM-JAY portal.

How to Use the Ayushman Bharat Health Card

1. Locate an Empanelled Hospital: Find a hospital under the PM-JAY scheme through the official website or Ayushman Bharat app.
2. Visit the Hospital: Carry your Ayushman Bharat Health Card and Aadhar card for identification.
3. Verification at Hospital: Hospital authorities will verify the card details and eligibility.
4. Cashless Treatment: Upon successful verification, you can avail cashless treatment.

Diseases Covered Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The Ayushman Bharat Health Card provides comprehensive coverage for over 1,500 medical procedures, including:

• Cardiac Surgeries
• Knee and Hip Replacements
• Cancer Treatments
• Kidney Transplants
• Neurological Disorders
• Pediatric Care

Additionally, pre-existing diseases are also covered under the scheme.

How to Download Ayushman Bharat Health Card Online

1. Visit the official PM-JAY portal.
2. Log in using your mobile number and OTP.
3. Navigate to the Ayushman Bharat Health Card section.
4. Download and print the card for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat Health Card?

Eligibility is based on the SECC 2011 data for rural and urban households.

2. Is there a fee to obtain the health card?

No, the Ayushman Bharat Health Card is issued free of cost to eligible beneficiaries.

3. Where can I use the Ayushman Bharat Health Card?

You can use the card at any of the empanelled private and public hospitals across India.

4. Does it cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, pre-existing diseases are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

5. How can I check my eligibility?

Eligibility can be checked online through the official PM-JAY website or Ayushman Bharat mobile app.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Health Card is a revolutionary initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for millions of Indian families. With its wide range of benefits, including cashless treatment, comprehensive coverage, and ease of access, it serves as a critical lifeline for underprivileged sections of society. By ensuring affordable and quality healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat scheme significantly reduces the financial burden on families.

If you or your family members meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the Ayushman Bharat Health Card is a step toward securing your healthcare future.