Ayushman Bharat Card 2024: The Ayushman Bharat Card is a crucial component of India’s ambitious health insurance program, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Launched in September 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to India’s most economically vulnerable citizens.
Key Features of the Ayushman Bharat Card
The Ayushman Bharat Card offers several important benefits:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | Up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year |
| Services Covered | Primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare |
| Facility Access | Both public and private hospitals |
| Population Reach | Approximately 40% of India’s population |
This program is designed to protect about 50% of India’s poorest citizens from financial hardship due to unexpected health issues.
Eligibility Criteria
The Ayushman Bharat Card targets specific groups within the population, including:
- Low-income families
- Female-headed households
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Families with disabled members lacking economic support
- Landless families dependent on manual labor
- Urban workers such as street vendors, domestic workers, and construction workers
Application Process
- Visit the official website: pmjay.gov.in
- Check eligibility by clicking on “Am I Eligible” and entering your mobile number on the official website.
- Complete and submit the online application form
- Await approval
- Download the Ayushman Bharat Card once approved
Required Documents
When applying, you’ll need to provide:
- Identity and age proof (Aadhaar Card or PAN Card)
- Contact information (email and mobile number)
- Residential address proof
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate
- Family status documentation
Coverage and Benefits
The Ayushman Bharat Card covers over 1,300 medical procedures across empanelled hospitals. Some critical illnesses covered include:
- Prostate cancer
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- COVID-19 treatment
- Skull base surgery
- Carotid angioplasty with stent
This extensive coverage ensures that cardholders can access a wide range of necessary medical treatments without facing financial ruin.
Downloading Your Ayushman Card
After approval, you can download your card by:
- Logging into the PM-JAY website
- Verifying your identity with an OTP
- Accessing your dashboard
- Clicking the “Download” button next to your approved card
- Printing a physical copy for use at healthcare facilities
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card represents a significant step towards universal health coverage in India. By providing financial protection against high medical expenses, it ensures that millions of Indians can access quality healthcare without fear of economic hardship. As the program continues to evolve, it has the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes for India’s most vulnerable citizens.