The Ayushman Bharat Card is an initiative taken by the Government of India with the goal of providing healthcare to poor families.The Indian government launched this program to help poor families to afford medical procedures.The card is also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY) card. With this card, families get treatment worth up to ₹5 lakhs every year at selected hospitals for free.
In this article, I will explain you what is the Ayushman Bharat Card is, how to apply for it, who can get it, and why it is important. Everything will be discussed here with every important information a person needed.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is like an insurance card but it is given free by the Government of India. It is meant for poor and needy families in India. If you or a family member gets sick and needs hospital treatment, you can use this card to get free treatment at many hospitals in India. This scheme covers most of diseases, including major surgeries and treatments that would otherwise be costly and a normal and poor person can't afford.
Who Can Get the Ayushman Bharat Card?
This card is mainly for poor families, especially those living in villages or working in low-income jobs. If you want to be eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card, families must be listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. This is a government list that shows which families need financial support.
Some categories that are eligible include:
- Families without a proper home or who live in one-room homes.
- Families without any adults between 16 to 59 years of age.
- People from scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST).
- Families with disabled members.
- In urban areas, families working in jobs like street vendors, rickshaw pullers, domestic workers, and construction laborers are also eligible.
Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Card
Here are the main benefits of having an Ayushman Bharat Card:
- Free Hospital Treatment: You can get free treatment in both government and some private hospitals. This includes everything from surgery, chemotherapy, heart treatments, and more.
- Coverage of ₹5 Lakhs Per Year: The government will pay for up to ₹5 lakhs for the treatment of your family members each year.
- No Need for Cash Payments: You do not have to pay anything from your pocket for the treatments covered under this scheme.
- Covers Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness you already have before applying for the card will also be covered. This means if you have diabetes, heart problems, or any other condition, it will be treated for free.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card?
Applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card is very easy. You can follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: First, you need to check if you are eligible for the card. You can do this online by visiting the PM-JAY official website (https://pmjay.gov.in). Enter your details like your mobile number or Aadhaar number to check if your name is on the list.
- Go to Common Service Centre (CSC): If you are eligible, go to your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), where they can help you apply for the card. They will ask for documents like your Aadhaar card, ration card, and proof of address.
- Get the Card: Once your details are confirmed, you will receive the Ayushman Bharat Card. You can start using it for medical treatment immediately.
How to Use the Ayushman Bharat Card?
Using the Ayushman Bharat Card is simple. If someone in your family needs medical treatment, take them to a hospital that is part of the Ayushman Bharat network. You can find a list of these hospitals on the PM-JAY website or ask at your local Common Service Centre (CSC).
At the hospital:
- Show your Ayushman Bharat Card to the hospital staff.
- The hospital will check your details and start the treatment.
- You do not have to pay anything as the government will cover the costs.
- The scheme covers most treatments like surgery, cancer treatment, heart surgery, and more. It even includes tests, medicines, and care after surgery.
Why is the Ayushman Bharat Card Important?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is very important because medical treatments in India can be very expensive. Many families cannot afford to pay for surgeries, treatments, and medicines. With this card, millions of families can get quality treatment without worrying about the costs.
The card also helps reduce the financial burden on families. If someone gets sick, it can cost a lot of money for treatment, which may push families into debt. This scheme prevents that by covering the full cost of treatment, which can go up to ₹5 lakhs per year.
Common Questions About Ayushman Bharat Card
Q1:- Can I use the card at any hospital?
Ans:- No, you can only use the Ayushman Bharat Card at hospitals that are part of the scheme. You can check the list of hospitals on the PM-JAY website.
Q2:- Is the card free?
Ans:- Yes, the card is completely free, and you do not have to pay anything for it.
Q3:- Does it cover all treatments?
Ans:- It covers most treatments like surgery, medicines, tests, and follow-up care. However, you should confirm with the hospital if your specific treatment is covered.
Q4:- How do I check if my name is on the list?
Ans:- You can check online on the PM-JAY website by entering your Aadhaar number or mobile number.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card is a blessing for poor families in India who cannot afford expensive medical treatments. It offers free healthcare services worth ₹5 lakhs every year. With simple steps to apply and many hospitals available, it is important for eligible families to take advantage of this scheme.
If you are eligible, make sure you apply for your Ayushman Bharat Card and keep it handy for any medical emergency. Your health and the health of your family are priceless, and the government has provided this scheme to ensure everyone can get the care they need.