Ayushman Card: How to Avail Free Treatment After Creating Your Ayushman Card?

Ayushman Card: How to Avail Free Treatment After Creating Your Ayushman Card? 

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, officially known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a flagship program by the Government of India aimed at providing health coverage to economically vulnerable sections of society. This scheme offers an Ayushman Card that entitles beneficiaries to free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. This blog will guide you through the process of obtaining the Ayushman Card and availing of free healthcare services step by step.

What is the Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card is a vital health card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It is often referred to as a "Golden Card" because it provides beneficiaries with free access to quality healthcare services. This card covers a broad spectrum of medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and treatment of serious illnesses, ensuring that the economically disadvantaged sections of society do not face financial hardship due to medical expenses.

Categories Eligible for Ayushman Card

Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Ayushman Card is issued to six categories of beneficiaries:

Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) Households : Families listed in the SECC database are automatically eligible for the Ayushman Card.

Rural and Urban Poor : Families living below the poverty line (BPL) are prioritized.

SC/ST Households : Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are included in the eligibility list.

Women-headed Households : Households headed by a woman with no adult male member aged 16-59 years.

Disabled Persons : Families with any member with disabilities are eligible.

Homeless and Transgender Communities : Special provisions are made for these communities.

Importance of the Ayushman Card

The Ayushman Card is more than just a health card; it is a lifeline for many underprivileged families. With this card, beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at any empaneled hospital across the country. This initiative has made healthcare affordable and accessible to millions of people who otherwise might not have been able to afford it.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Card

Creating an Ayushman Card is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through:

1. Aadhaar Synchronization 

Ensure that you have your Aadhaar Card and a valid mobile number linked to it. This is necessary for verification and registration.

2. Visit an Authorized Center

Go to the nearest Jan Seva Kendra, Common Service Center (CSC), or PM-JAY Health Services Center.

3. Guidance at the Center

The staff at the center will assist you in filling out the PM-JAY application form. They will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your application is filled out correctly.

4. Document Verification

Provide necessary documents such as your Aadhaar Card, bank passbook, ration card, and passport-sized photograph. The staff will verify these documents.

5. Upload and Registration

Your Aadhaar Card and other required documents will be scanned and uploaded to the system. After this, your application will be registered.

6. Verification

After submission, your application will be verified by the authorities. Once approved, your PM-JAY card (Ayushman Card) will be issued.

Creating Ayushman Card Using the Mobile App

You can also create your Ayushman Card through the Ayushman Bharat mobile app. Here’s how:

1. Download the App

2. Select Beneficiary Option 

3. OTP Verification

4. Enter Details

5. Family Details

6. Upload Documents

7. Final Submission

How to Avail Free Treatment with the Ayushman Card

Once you have your Ayushman Card, you can start using it to access free medical services. Here's how:

1. Locate an Empaneled Hospital

Visit the Ayushman Bharat official website or use the mobile app to find the nearest empaneled hospital where you can avail of treatment under the scheme.

2. Present Your Ayushman Card

At the hospital, present your Ayushman Card at the registration desk. The hospital will verify your card and check your eligibility.

3. Receive Cashless Treatment

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be entitled to receive treatment without any cash payment. The treatment cost, up to ₹5 lakh per year, will be covered by the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

4. Post-Treatment Process

After treatment, the hospital will process the payment through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring that you do not have to bear any340 financial burden.

Important Documents Required for Ayushman Card

To apply for the Ayushman Card, you will need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Passbook
• Ration Card
• Passport-sized Photograph
• Mobile Number 

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card

Not everyone is eligible for an Ayushman Card. Here are the eligibility criteria:

• Resident of India
• BPL Category
• APL Category
• Included in SECC Database
• Recipients of National Food Security Act Benefits 

Conclusion

The Ayushman Card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is a revolutionary step towards making healthcare accessible to all, especially the economically weaker sections of society. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily create your Ayushman Card and start availing yourself of free medical treatment in empaneled hospitals across the country.

This card not only provides financial relief in times of medical emergencies but also ensures that no one in India is deprived of quality healthcare due to lack of funds. Make sure to register for your Ayushman Card today and take full advantage of this life-saving initiative.