The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries are entitled to free medical treatment at empaneled hospitals for a wide range of health conditions. To avail of these benefits, individuals must first obtain an Ayushman Bharat Health Card, which serves as proof of eligibility.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the Ayushman Bharat Health Card:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card, it’s crucial to determine if your family qualifies for the scheme. The eligibility is determined based on criteria set in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), focusing on families living below the poverty line (BPL) and other vulnerable categories. You can check if you are eligible through the official PMJAY website or the mobile app.
- Visit the official PMJAY website https://pmjay.gov.in.
- On the homepage, click on the “Am I Eligible?” tab.
- Enter details like your state, district, and family name to check if your family is part of the SECC database.
If your family is eligible, you can proceed with the next steps. If not, you can approach the local authorities to explore other support schemes or updates regarding the SECC list.
2. Visit the Official Website or Mobile App
Once you confirm eligibility, you can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Health Card online. The process is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official Ayushman Bharat website or download the Ayushman Bharat mobile app.
- Click on the “Get Your Ayushman Card” or similar option.
- Fill in your details like your family ID (available from SECC data), Aadhaar number, mobile number, etc., for verification.
- After submitting the information, follow the instructions to complete the application process.
3. Apply via Common Service Centers (CSC)
For those who prefer an offline approach or are unable to apply online, the government has set up Common Service Centers (CSCs) and facilitation centers in every state. You can visit these centers with the following documents:
- Aadhaar card (for identity verification)
- Proof of residence
- Family details (if available from SECC or other government records)
The staff at CSCs will help you fill out the application, verify your information, and submit it for processing. After successful registration, your Ayushman Bharat Health Card will be generated.
4. Wait for Card Generation
After your application is processed, you will either receive the Ayushman Bharat Health Card at your registered address or can pick it up from the nearest CSC or hospital, depending on the state’s implementation process. The card will carry a unique identification number, which will be used when you avail of medical services under the scheme.
5. Using the Card
Once you receive the Ayushman Bharat Card, you can use it to avail cashless treatment at any of the empaneled private or government hospitals. The card provides coverage for hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics, and other medical expenses.
Conclusion
Getting an Ayushman Bharat Card is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria. Whether you apply online via the official PMJAY website or through an offline Common Service Center, the scheme aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable for the most vulnerable populations. With the card in hand, beneficiaries can enjoy access to quality medical care without worrying about the financial burden of healthcare expenses.