Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card

The PMJAY Ayushman card is a transformative healthcare initiative launched by the Government of India. It provides affordable, cashless medical services to millions of low-income families. In 2024, this initiative includes more hospitals, allowing eligible beneficiaries access to a range of treatments nationwide.

The Ayushman card enables beneficiaries to access the benefits of the PMJAY Scheme easily. Read this article to understand the different benefits of the PMJAY Ayushman card and the features and coverages that come with it.

Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a government health program established by the National Health Policy of 2017, offers complete universal health coverage and issues the Ayushman Bharat Card. The card provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. 

It grants qualified recipients access to cashless care at affiliated hospitals and is an identity card that certifies your eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana's benefits, guaranteeing that healthcare stays within the means of low-income households. This card entitles you to free operations and treatments for various illnesses, including critical care.

After successfully downloading the Ayushman Card, you can use it to receive the program's benefits at any hospital that has been approved. Here’s a breakdown of the different uses of Ayushman Card in hospitals:

• Cashless Hospitalisation: The card provides cashless hospitalisation, allowing a patient to access hospital services immediately.
• Comprehensive Treatments: It covers various medical treatments, including surgery, IPD, and other treatments.
• Emergency Services: It provides immediate attention to critical situations for timely treatment and the survival of patients by engaging them in emergency care.
• Diagnostics and Investigation: The card allows a patient access to the range of diagnostic tests and procedures needed for diagnosis.
• Follow-up Treatments: The scheme includes follow-up consultations and additional post-surgical follow-ups as a part of the treatment package.
• Health Care Quality Access: Patients can access treatment anywhere in public or private empanelled hospitals under the PMJAY scheme.
• Family Coverage: The card ensures treatment and hospital to all eligible family members which manages health care efficiently.

The PMJAY, or the Ayushman Bharat Yojana initiative, has the following noteworthy features and highlights: 

• Health Coverage: PMJAY offers health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can get cashless treatment in any empanelled public or private hospital in the country.
• Range of Services Covered: More than 1,300 medical packages covering surgery, maternity care, and critical illnesses, among others, are covered by the scheme.
• Accessibility: It has an easy-to-use mobile application and a helpline for beneficiaries to access information and services without much effort.
• No Limit to Family Size: No restriction exists on the family size undercover, meaning a complete family is covered without any bar.

PMJAY-Covered Medical Packages

Apart from the different features, this scheme offers various medical coverages. Here are the basic coverages provided by the PMJAY Scheme:

• Covers pre-hospitalisation costs for three days and post-hospitalisation costs for 15 days, including medications and tests.
• Families and individuals can make use of about 25 specialisations as plan beneficiaries, including the following major specialities:
  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Paediatrics
  • Orthopaedics
  • COVID-19

Obtaining the Ayushman card online involves a simple process. Here are the steps on how to get the Ayushman Card: 

• Step 1: Go to the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY website or download the Mera Ayushman mobile app to start the procedure. 
• Step 2: Use your mobile number or Aadhaar to log in. Once on the website or app, log in with your registered mobile or Aadhaar number. If you log in using your Aadhaar, an OTP will be issued to the cellphone number associated with your Aadhaar for verification.
  • Aadhaar-Based Login: Enter your Aadhaar number and receive an OTP for verification.
  • Mobile Number Login: Enter your mobile number, and after OTP verification, proceed to the next step.
• Step 3: Verify your eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat scheme after successfully logging in. Entering one of the following will allow you to find out if you qualify: 
  • The Aadhaar number 
  • Mobile Number 
  • The number on the Ration Card 

The system will compare the information to ensure your eligibility for the program.

• Step 4: Upon verification of your eligibility, the portal will offer the ability to download the Ayushman Card. Print a copy of the card or save a digital one to your phone. 

Your unique Ayushman Bharat ID and other pertinent information are on the card, which hospitals must validate when you seek care under the program.

The PMJAY Ayushman Card has become a vital resource for improving healthcare access across India. The Ayushman Card empowers millions to manage health issues without financial stress by reducing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring quality medical support. This initiative marks a significant step toward a healthier India, where quality healthcare is within reach for everyone, regardless of income.