The Ayushman Bharat card, a cornerstone of the Indian government’s initiative to provide healthcare access to the economically weaker sections, symbolises a new era in public health insurance. This card is part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), aiming to cover over 10 crore families with a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family annually.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to obtaining an Ayushman Bharat card, detailing its features, benefits, and a step-by-step process for application and download.
What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat card is a physical representation of eligibility under the PMJAY scheme, allowing beneficiaries to avail cashless and paperless access to healthcare services across the country. The card contains essential information such as the beneficiary’s name, age, gender, and a unique QR code, ensuring secure and efficient verification of eligibility at empanelled healthcare facilities.
Features of the Ayushman Bharat Card
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Nationwide Portability
The Ayushman Bharat card offers nationwide portability, allowing beneficiaries to access healthcare services at any empanelled hospital across India, making it particularly beneficial for migrant workers and those who travel frequently.
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Cashless Transactions
The card facilitates cashless transactions at empanelled hospitals, eliminating the need for upfront payments and reducing the financial burden on beneficiaries.
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Family Coverage
One card covers an entire eligible family, with no restrictions on family size, age, or gender, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
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Pre-existing Diseases Covered
The scheme covers all pre-existing conditions from day one, providing immediate relief to beneficiaries with chronic illnesses.
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Wide Network of Hospitals
With a vast network of empanelled hospitals, both public and private, beneficiaries have access to a wide range of healthcare services.
Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Card
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Reduced Healthcare Costs
The card significantly reduces healthcare expenses for underprivileged families, contributing to their financial stability.
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Improved Access to Quality Healthcare
It ensures access to quality healthcare services, including speciality and tertiary care, which might otherwise be inaccessible due to cost constraints.
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Empowerment of Beneficiaries
The Ayushman Bharat card empowers beneficiaries by providing them control over their healthcare choices, promoting autonomy and dignity in healthcare decisions.
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Enhanced Health Outcomes
By facilitating timely access to healthcare services, the card contributes to improved health outcomes and a reduction in mortality rates due to preventable diseases.
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Social Inclusion
The scheme promotes social inclusion by covering the most vulnerable sections of society, bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility.
How does it work?
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Identification and Enrollment
Eligible families are identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. The beneficiaries can verify their eligibility and enrol in the scheme through various channels like visiting an empanelled hospital, community service centres (CSCs), or the PMJAY portal.
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Issuance of the Card
Once the eligibility is confirmed, and the necessary KYC process is completed, the Ayushman Bharat card is issued to the beneficiary. This card can then be presented at any empanelled hospital to avail of the benefits under the scheme.
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Digital Access
In addition to the physical card, beneficiaries can also access their card details digitally through the PMJAY portal or mobile application, further simplifying the process of availing healthcare services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading the Ayushman Bharat Card
Wondering how to download the Ayushman Bharat card? Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Visit the official PMJAY portal and navigate to the ‘Am I Eligible’ section.
- Enter the required details, such as your mobile number, and CAPTCHA code, and click on ‘Generate OTP.’
- Submit the OTP received on your mobile number and proceed to fill in the requested information to check your eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Step 2: Find Your Name in the Beneficiary List
- If you are eligible, your name and details will appear in the beneficiary list.
- You can find your name by entering specific details like your State, District, Sub-District, and Village.
Step 3: Complete the KYC Process
- Visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or the empanelled hospital’s help desk to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
- Submit the necessary documents, including Aadhaar and any other identification documents required.
Step 4: Receive Your Ayushman Bharat Card
- After verifying your documents, the CSC or hospital help desk will issue your Ayushman Bharat card.
- Ensure that all the details on the card are correct and keep it safe for future use.
Step 5: Downloading the Ayushman Bharat Card (If Applicable)
- In some cases, you may be able to download a digital copy of your Ayushman Bharat card through the official portal or a mobile application associated with PMJAY.
- Log in to the portal or app using your credentials, navigate to the ‘Download Card’ section, and follow the instructions to download and print your Ayushman Bharat card.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat card is a lifeline for millions of underprivileged families across India, offering a beacon of hope and the promise of a healthier future. Its features and benefits reflect the Indian government’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable. For calculating your body mass ratio you should use BMI Calculator
By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, eligible beneficiaries can smoothly navigate the process of applying for and downloading their Ayushman Bharat card, ensuring they are equipped to access the healthcare services they need when they need them. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, symbolised by this card, is a significant stride towards achieving universal health coverage, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s healthcare narrative.