The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is one of the largest health insurance schemes in the world, designed to provide financial protection to economically weaker families in India. Recently, a new list of beneficiaries for the Ayushman Card has been released, which provides coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year for medical treatment. This article will provide detailed information about the Ayushman Card, its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and the latest updates regarding the new list.
Overview of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat scheme was launched on September 23, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The primary goal of this scheme is to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship. The scheme targets the bottom 40% of India’s population and aims to cover approximately 10.74 crore households, which translates to around 50 crore individuals.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat
Health Coverage: Provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
No Cap on Family Size: There is no restriction on family size or age; all members are covered under the scheme.
Pre-existing Conditions Covered: All pre-existing medical conditions are covered from day one.
Transport Allowance: A defined transport allowance is provided for each hospitalization.
New Developments in Ayushman Card
Recently, significant changes have been introduced under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. These changes include:
New List of Beneficiaries: A new list has been released that includes families eligible for the Ayushman Card.
Inclusion of Senior Citizens: All senior citizens aged 70 years and above will now receive health coverage under this scheme, regardless of their income status.
Top-Up Coverage: Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year, which will be exclusive to them and not shared with other family members.
Distinct Card for Seniors: Eligible senior citizens will receive a new distinct card under the AB PM-JAY scheme.
Benefits of Ayushman Card
The Ayushman Card offers numerous benefits to its holders:
Financial Protection: Families can avail healthcare services without worrying about high medical expenses.
Wide Network of Hospitals: Beneficiaries can access treatment at a vast network of empanelled hospitals across India.
Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of medical procedures, including surgeries and treatments that require hospitalization.
Support for Vulnerable Groups: The scheme specifically targets economically weaker sections, ensuring they receive necessary healthcare services.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Ayushman Card, applicants must meet certain criteria:
Socio-Economic Status: The scheme targets families belonging to the bottom 40% of India’s population based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
Family Size and Composition: There is no cap on family size or age; all members are eligible for coverage.
Senior Citizens: Individuals aged 70 years and above are eligible for additional benefits under the new guidelines.
Pre-existing Conditions: All pre-existing medical conditions are covered from day one.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card
The application process for obtaining an Ayushman Card is straightforward and can be completed online or through designated centers. Here’s how:
Online Application Process
Visit the Official Website: Go to the official PM-JAY website.
Register as a Beneficiary: Click on the registration link and fill out the required details such as your name, mobile number, and state.
Verify Your Identity: Use your Aadhaar number or other identification documents for verification.
Complete KYC Process: Submit necessary documents like income certificate, ration card, etc., as required by your state.
Download Your Ayushman Card: Once your application is approved, you can download your Ayushman Card from the website.
Offline Application Process
Visit Local Health Center: Go to your nearest health center or Common Service Center (CSC).
Provide Required Documents: Submit necessary documents such as Aadhaar card, income certificate, etc.
Fill Out Application Form: Complete the application form provided at the center.
Receive Confirmation: After processing your application, you will receive a confirmation regarding your eligibility status.
Important Documents Required
To apply for an Ayushman Card, you need to prepare certain documents:
Aadhaar Card
Family ID
Ration Card
Income Certificate
Domicile Certificate
Any other state-specific documents as required
Latest Updates on Ayushman Card List
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access, the government has released a new list of beneficiaries eligible for the Ayushman Card. This list includes families that have been identified based on their socio-economic status and other criteria set by the government.
Key Highlights from the New List
The new list aims to include more families that were previously not covered under the scheme.
It emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary health services.
Regular updates will be made available to ensure transparency in beneficiary selection.
Achievements of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Since its launch, the Ayushman Bharat scheme has achieved several milestones:
Achievement
Details
Total Cards Issued
Over 35 crore Ayushman cards issued
Families Covered
Approximately 10.74 crore families
Hospital Admissions
More than 7.79 crore hospital admissions
Financial Coverage
₹1,07,125 crores in financial coverage
Gender Equity
49% of cards issued to women
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Ayushman Card? The Ayushman Card is issued under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and provides health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for medical treatments.
Who is eligible for an Ayushman Card? Families belonging to the bottom 40% of India’s population based on SECC 2011 criteria are eligible for this card, along with senior citizens aged 70 years and above who will receive additional benefits.
How can I check if I am eligible? You can check your eligibility by visiting the official PM-JAY website or contacting local health centers where applications are processed.
Can I use my Ayushman Card at any hospital? Yes, you can use your card at any empanelled hospital across India that accepts Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.
Is there any cost involved in applying for an Ayushman Card? No, applying for an Ayushman Card is free of charge; however, you may need to provide certain documents as part of your application process.
Conclusion
The release of the new list for the Ayushman Card marks a significant step forward in ensuring that vulnerable populations in India have access to quality healthcare services without financial burden. With coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year and inclusive provisions for senior citizens and economically weaker families, this initiative plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes across the country. It is essential for eligible families to apply for their cards promptly to take advantage of this valuable benefit and secure their health needs effectively
Disclaimer : This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official announcement regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or its associated benefits. Please refer to official government sources or authorized representatives for accurate updates and notifications regarding eligibility and application processes related to the Ayushman Card.