Steps to apply for Ayushman card to access free healthcare under PMJAY scheme

Access to quality healthcare is essential, but for many low-income families in India, medical expenses can be a significant financial burden. The Ayushman card, issued under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), provides free healthcare services to millions of underprivileged families. This government initiative ensures that eligible beneficiaries receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across the country, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Applying for an Ayushman card is a straightforward process that allows families to access hospitalisation benefits of up to five lakh rupees per year. The scheme covers medical treatments, surgeries, and critical care without requiring any payment from beneficiaries. This article provides a step-by-step guide to applying for an Ayushman card and completing the Ayushman card download to ensure hassle-free healthcare access.

What is an Ayushman card?

The Ayushman card is a health identification card that allows eligible beneficiaries to avail free healthcare services under the PMJAY scheme. It is linked to a person’s Aadhaar and helps in identifying individuals who qualify for the benefits provided by the scheme.

Key features of the Ayushman card

• Provides cashless treatment up to five lakh rupees per family per year at empanelled hospitals.
• Covers hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, surgeries, and intensive care.
• Available for low-income families identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
• Accepted at government and private hospitals across India.
• No premium payment is required to enrol in the scheme.

Eligibility criteria for applying for an Ayushman card

Before applying for an Ayushman card, it is important to check eligibility under the PMJAY scheme. The scheme primarily benefits economically weaker sections, based on the SECC 2011 database.

Who can apply for an Ayushman card?

• Families categorised as deprived under SECC 2011.
• Low-income households, including daily wage earners, labourers, and rural families.
• Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families.
• Urban workers in informal sectors such as street vendors, domestic helpers, and rickshaw pullers.
• Beneficiaries of other government welfare schemes such as Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

How to check Ayushman Bharat eligibility

• Visit the PMJAY official website at https://pmjay.gov.in.
• Click on the ‘Am I Eligible’ option.
• Enter your mobile number and captcha code to verify details.
• Check eligibility by entering your Aadhaar or Ration Card number.

Steps to apply for an Ayushman card

Applying for an Ayushman card is simple and can be done online or through designated Common Service Centres (CSCs). Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the registration process.

Step 1: Visit the official Ayushman Bharat website

Go to the PMJAY portal at https://pmjay.gov.in. This is the official website where individuals can check their eligibility and apply for the Ayushman card.

Step 2: Verify eligibility and personal details

• Click on the ‘Am I Eligible’ option.
• Enter your Aadhaar number, Ration Card number, or mobile number linked to government schemes.
• If eligible, you will receive a confirmation message stating that you qualify for the PMJAY scheme.

Step 3: Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital

Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant must visit the nearest CSC centre or empanelled hospital to complete the registration process.

• Carry original documents such as Aadhaar card, Ration Card, and income certificate.
• The CSC operator or hospital representative will verify the details and register the applicant in the PMJAY database.

Step 4: Biometric verification and Ayushman card generation

• After verification, biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) is conducted to link the applicant’s details to the PMJAY system.
• Once registered, the Ayushman card is generated and issued to the applicant.

Step 5: Ayushman card download

Once the Ayushman card is generated, beneficiaries can download it from the official website.

• Visit the Ayushman Bharat portal.
• Click on ‘Ayushman Card Download’.
• Enter the Aadhaar number and OTP received on the registered mobile number.
• Download and print the Ayushman card for hospital visits.

How to use the Ayushman card for free treatment

Once an individual receives the Ayushman card, they can use it to avail free medical treatment at government and private empanelled hospitals.

Steps to use the Ayushman card at hospitals

1. Visit a PMJAY-empanelled hospital.
2. Present the Ayushman card at the hospital’s Ayushman Bharat helpdesk.
3. The hospital verifies the beneficiary’s details through biometric authentication.
4. The treatment is provided under the PMJAY scheme without any upfront payment.
5. The hospital submits the treatment cost directly to the government for reimbursement.

Services covered under the PMJAY scheme

• Hospitalisation and surgical procedures, including pre and post-treatment expenses.
• Maternity benefits for pregnant women.
• Emergency and critical care treatments.
• Cancer treatment, dialysis, and organ transplants.
• Heart surgeries, knee replacements, and neurological treatments.

Frequently asked questions about the Ayushman card

1. Is the Ayushman card free of cost?

Yes, the Ayushman card is issued free of cost to eligible beneficiaries under the PMJAY scheme. There is no premium or registration fee required.

2. Can I apply for an Ayushman card online?

While eligibility can be checked online, applying for the Ayushman card requires visiting a CSC centre or empanelled hospital for biometric verification.

3. Can I use the Ayushman card at any hospital?

The Ayushman card is accepted at all empanelled hospitals, including government and select private hospitals listed under the PMJAY network.

4. How can I check if my hospital is empanelled under PMJAY?

Beneficiaries can check the list of empanelled hospitals on the PMJAY website under the ‘Find Hospital’ section.

5. What happens if I lose my Ayushman card?

If the Ayushman card is lost, beneficiaries can visit a CSC centre or the PMJAY website to re-download and print a new card.

Conclusion

The Ayushman card is a crucial healthcare initiative that provides free medical treatment to economically weaker sections of society. By following the Ayushman card download and registration steps, eligible individuals can ensure they receive quality healthcare without financial burden.

With benefits such as cashless hospitalisation, coverage for major treatments, and access to a wide network of hospitals, applying for an Ayushman card is essential for families needing medical assistance. Register today and secure a hassle-free healthcare experience for you and your loved ones.