how to get an ayushman card ??
Healthcare can be expensive, especially for families from economically weaker sections. To address this, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Under this scheme, eligible families receive an Ayushman Card, which allows them to access free healthcare services at empaneled hospitals. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of obtaining an Ayushman Card, including the required documents, how to apply, the benefits of the scheme, and other essential points.
What is Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is a health card provided under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This card enables beneficiaries to avail of cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year per family at empaneled hospitals across India. The scheme is primarily aimed at providing financial protection to vulnerable families by covering a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up care.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
To apply for an Ayushman Card, you need to have the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar is the primary identification document required to apply for the Ayushman Card.
- Ration Card: The ration card helps in identifying the family unit eligible for the scheme.
- Mobile Number: A valid mobile number is required for OTP verification and receiving updates.
- Address Proof: Documents like utility bills, voter ID, or any other government-issued address proof.
- Income Certificate: Some states may require an income certificate to determine eligibility.
- Family ID (if applicable): In some states, a family ID or a similar document may be required.
How to Launch Ayushman Card Scheme?
If you are a government official or part of an NGO looking to launch the Ayushman Card scheme in your area, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Awareness Campaigns: Organize awareness programs to educate eligible families about the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and how to apply for the Ayushman Card.
- Step 2: Collaboration with Local Authorities: Work with local authorities and healthcare providers to facilitate the registration and issuance of Ayushman Cards.
- Step 3: Set Up Enrollment Camps: Establish enrollment camps in local communities where eligible individuals can register for the scheme and receive their Ayushman Cards.
- Step 4: Documentation Verification: Ensure that all documents provided by applicants are thoroughly verified to prevent any discrepancies.
- Step 5: Distribution of Cards: Once the documentation is verified, distribute the Ayushman Cards to eligible families.
Benefits of Ayushman Card
- Cashless Treatment: The Ayushman Card allows beneficiaries to avail of cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals, reducing the financial burden on families.
- Coverage for a Wide Range of Services: The card covers various medical services, including surgeries, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and medicines.
- High Coverage Limit: The scheme provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, which is sufficient for most medical treatments.
- Empaneled Hospitals Nationwide: The Ayushman Card is accepted at thousands of empaneled hospitals across India, ensuring easy access to quality healthcare.
- No Waiting Period: Unlike private health insurance, there is no waiting period for pre-existing conditions under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
Main Points to Remember
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which includes being listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database.
- Document Verification: Make sure all your documents are in order and verified before applying to avoid any delays in receiving the Ayushman Card.
- Use Empaneled Hospitals: The Ayushman Card can only be used at hospitals that are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Check the list of empaneled hospitals in your area.
- Keep the Card Safe: The Ayushman Card is a valuable document that should be kept safe and accessible whenever you need medical services.
- Regular Updates: Keep your contact details, especially your mobile number, updated with the authorities to receive important updates and notifications.
Easy Steps to Apply for Ayushman Card
Applying for an Ayushman Card is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Online Method :-
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
- Step 2: Look for the “Am I Eligible” or “Check Eligibility” section on the homepage.
- Step 3: Enter your mobile number and the required details, such as your state and district.
- Step 4: Complete the OTP verification process using the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
- Step 5: If you are eligible, the website will display your eligibility status, and you can proceed to apply for the Ayushman Card.
- Step 6: Fill out the online application form with your personal and family details.
- Step 7: Upload the necessary documents and submit the form.
- Step 8: After verification, you will receive an acknowledgment, and the Ayushman Card will be issued to you.
Offline Method :-
- Step 1: Visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or a government office dealing with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
- Step 2: Provide your Aadhaar card and other required documents to the official.
- Step 3: The official will check your eligibility status in the SECC database.
- Step 4: If eligible, the official will fill out the application form on your behalf.
- Step 5: Submit the form and documents, and the official will process your application.
- Step 6: Once the application is processed, you will be informed, and the Ayushman Card will be issued to you.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Card is a powerful tool that provides financial protection to millions of families in India by covering their healthcare expenses. Whether you are applying online or offline, the process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to everyone. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain your Ayushman Card and ensure that you and your family have access to quality healthcare services without financial stress. Make sure to keep all your documents ready, stay informed about your eligibility, and use the card responsibly to benefit from this life-saving scheme.