KKN Gurugram Desk | The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is one of the largest health insurance schemes in India, aiming to provide free healthcare to eligible individuals. The scheme, initiated by the Government of India, allows beneficiaries to avail of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees annually at registered hospitals. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to check eligibility, the process to apply for the Ayushman card, and where to avail treatment.

What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is a government-backed health insurance scheme designed to cover financially vulnerable families in India. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can get free medical treatment at a list of empanelled hospitals across the country.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on the poor and underprivileged sections of society by providing access to quality healthcare. Each eligible family can get free medical treatment for hospitalization expenses, diagnostic tests, and surgery up to ₹5 lakh per year.

How to Check Your Eligibility for the Ayushman Card

Before applying for the Ayushman card, it is important to ensure that you are eligible for the scheme. The eligibility criteria are based on the socio-economic status of the family, primarily focusing on those who belong to the economically weaker sections.

To check if you qualify for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official PMJAY website: https://pmjay.gov.in/.

2. Click on ‘Am I Eligible?’: On the homepage, you will find the option labeled ‘Am I Eligible’. Click on it.

3. Fill in Required Details: You will be asked to enter some basic details like your name, address, and family details. After submitting these details, you will be informed whether you are eligible for the scheme or not.

4. Eligibility Results: After filling out the required information, the website will immediately show you whether you are eligible to get the Ayushman card. If you are eligible, you can proceed with the application process.

Documents Required for Applying for Ayushman Card

Once you confirm your eligibility, you can proceed to apply for the Ayushman card. Here is a list of documents that you may need to submit:

• Aadhar card (for identity verification)
• Proof of Address (e.g., ration card, voter ID, etc.)
• Family details (list of all members in the family)
• Caste certificate (if applicable, as per eligibility criteria)
• Income certificate (to determine financial status)

How to Apply for Ayushman Card

The process of applying for the Ayushman card is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Ayushman card:

1. Visit the Nearest CSC Center: To start the application process, visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC). These centers are located in every district and are equipped with all the necessary infrastructure to help you apply for the Ayushman card.

2. Meet the Designated Officer: At the center, meet the designated officer who will assist you in the application process. They will verify your eligibility and guide you through the process.

3. Document Verification: The officer will verify the documents you submitted, ensuring that everything is in order.

4. Application Submission: Once your eligibility is confirmed and documents are verified, the officer will submit your application.

5. Download Your Ayushman Card: After a few days, your Ayushman card will be ready. You can either download it from the official website or pick it up from the CSC center.

Benefits of Ayushman Card

The Ayushman card comes with several benefits for the eligible families. Some of the major benefits of having an Ayushman card include:

1. Free Treatment Up to ₹5 Lakh: As per the scheme, each eligible family can avail of free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalization, surgery, and medical expenses. This covers a wide range of treatments, including cardiac surgeries, cancer treatment, and orthopedic surgeries, among others.

2. No Pre-existing Condition Clause: Unlike other insurance policies, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana does not have any restrictions based on pre-existing medical conditions. This means even individuals with pre-existing conditions can avail of treatment.

3. Coverage for Family Members: The Ayushman card covers the entire family, which includes parents, children, and other dependent family members.

4. Cashless Treatment: One of the best features of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is that beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment at listed hospitals. This removes the need for upfront payments, reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.

5. Large Network of Hospitals: Beneficiaries can access medical treatment at over 22,000 empanelled hospitals across India. The government ensures that only quality hospitals are included in this network.

6. Wide Range of Procedures Covered: The scheme covers both medical and surgical treatments, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care for various health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, maternity services, mental health, and more.

Where to Avail Free Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

If you have an Ayushman card and wish to avail of the free treatment benefits, you can visit any empanelled hospital. To know which hospitals are registered under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in your area, follow these steps:

1. Visit the PMJAY Official Website: Go to the official website https://pmjay.gov.in/.

2. Click on ‘Find a Hospital’: On the website, look for the option to ‘Find a Hospital’ or ‘Search for a Hospital’.

3. Enter Your Location Details: You will need to enter the name of your city or state. The website will provide a list of empanelled hospitals in your region.

4. Choose a Hospital: Once you have the list, you can select a hospital where you wish to avail of free treatment. Ensure that the hospital offers the services you need.

5. Get Treated at the Hospital: Once you visit the hospital, present your Ayushman card at the reception for cashless treatment.

How to Download the Ayushman Card

After your application is approved, you can download the Ayushman card from the official PMJAY website. Here’s how:

1. Log into the PMJAY Portal: Visit the official website https://pmjay.gov.in/.

2. Click on ‘Download Ayushman Card’: Look for the option to ‘Download Ayushman Card’.

3. Enter Your Details: You will be required to enter your Ayushman number or registered mobile number to verify your identity.

4. Download and Print: After verification, you can download and print your Ayushman card.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a significant step taken by the Government of India to provide free healthcare to economically vulnerable families. If you are eligible, applying for the Ayushman card will ensure that you have access to essential medical treatments without the burden of heavy medical expenses. By following the simple steps mentioned above, you can easily apply for the Ayushman card, check your eligibility, and get treated at empanelled hospitals across India.

With this scheme, India is moving closer to its goal of universal health coverage, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, especially the underprivileged. If you haven’t applied for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana yet, now is the time to check your eligibility and apply for the Ayushman card.