The Ayushman Card is the gateway to affordable healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). This government-issued card enables eligible families to avail themselves of cashless medical treatments at empanelled hospitals across the country.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for an Ayushman Card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Families identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 are eligible.
- Beneficiaries listed in the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) can also apply.
- Priority is given to economically weaker sections, including rural families with no income source or urban families engaged in manual labour.
Benefits offered
The Ayushman Card offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Cashless treatment: Cardholders can access medical services without paying upfront at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year: This includes expenses for surgeries, hospitalisations, and critical treatments.
- Nationwide accessibility: The card is interoperable, meaning you can use it in empanelled hospitals across India.
Real-world impact
Imagine a family requiring emergency cancer treatment but unable to afford the high costs. With the Ayushman Card, they can receive life-saving care at no cost in empanelled hospitals. This initiative has been a lifeline for countless families, ensuring that healthcare is not a luxury but a basic right.