In India, gaining access to quality healthcare is a significant challenge for many, especially those residing in remote regions and below the poverty line. To address this, the Government of India launched an ambitious project named ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat. One crucial aspect of this flagship scheme is the Ayushman card, a unique tool devised to enable cashless treatment.
Ayushman Card Benefits
The Ayushman card is a pivotal part of managing healthcare expenses, and it comes with a plethora of bountiful benefits. Apart from providing affordable medical treatment to the marginalized sectors, the Ayushman Bharat scheme underscores the importance of Ayushman cards in following ways.
Firstly, the Ayushman card enables cashless hospitalization. It covers medical expenses up to INR 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization of over 50 crore beneficiaries. The cardholders are not required to pay anything at the time of hospitalization as the expenses are settled directly between the hospital and the insurer.
Further, Ayushman card provides access to a nationwide network of healthcare providers with more than 24,000 public and private hospitals empaneled across the country. It means beneficiaries can avail treatment anywhere in India, making it highly beneficial for migrant workers who frequently move from one state to another.
The Ayushman card also includes pre-existing diseases from day one. This all-inclusive cover ensures that your medical history does not prevent you from availing the necessary healthcare. Moreover, there is no cap on the family size or age, which means it covers the needs of the entire family, right from newborn children to the elderly.
Besides, the Ayushman card benefits are not limited to just hospitalization expenses. The coverage extends to daycare surgeries, follow-up care, pre and post hospitalization expenses, and diagnosis of diseases, providing comprehensive health security.
Obtaining the Ayushman Card Online
The process to obtain the Ayushman card online, also known as the ABHA card online, is simple and straightforward. The beneficiaries can visit the official PM-JAY website, fill in the necessary details, and submit the documents required. After the validation of these details, the Ayushman card will be mailed to the beneficiary’s address.
The beneficiaries can also visit the nearest Ayushman helpdesk, Common Service Centre (CSC), or any Empanelled Health Care Provider (EHCP) to register for an Ayushman card if they don’t have access to online services. They would be required to carry necessary documents such as an Aadhaar card, ration card, or any government-issued ID for verification.
Upon successful registration, one can avail of the Ayushman card benefits at any empanelled hospital without any hassles. Since the scheme operates on a digital platform, beneficiaries can check their eligibility, enrolment status, and balance amount left for the year online, making it easy and convenient for users.
Conclusion
The Ayushman card is a revolutionary step towards ensuring that quality healthcare is not a privilege for a select few but a fundamental right for all Indians. In addition to empowering the disadvantaged sections of the society, it also plays a significant role in transforming India’s healthcare system by reducing the economic burden of medical expenses on the common man. By bridging the gap between affordability and quality healthcare, the Ayushman card is undeniably, a beacon of hope for millions. Whether you apply for the Ayushman card or ABHA card Registration online, rest assured, it is a key to unlock a healthier and more secure life.