Are There Any Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining An Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is an initiative introduced by the Government of India to address healthcare requirements for over 100 million underprivileged Indian citizens. The scheme aims to make universal health coverage a reality, reducing healthcare expenditure for the impoverished population. Integral to this plan is the Ayushman Card, an identification that entitles an eligible individual to avail the benefits under the PM-JAY scheme. However, not everyone is eligible for obtaining an Ayushman Card. Let us delve into the eligibility criteria for acquiring an Ayushman Card, so you can understand better if you qualify to get one under this health insurance policy.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an Ayushman Card

The Ayushman Card provides free health insurance of up to 5 lakh rupees per family annually, covering hospitalization charges in public as well as certain private hospitals in India. But it is essential to know who is eligible for this health insurance policy.

The PM-JAY scheme is primarily focused on the economically weaker sections of society. It covers both rural and urban populations. The National Health Agency (NHA), the apex body implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, has set particular eligibility criteria for both sectors.

For Rural Denizens

The rural eligibility criteria are based on the deprivation categories in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. It includes families having only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof; families with no adult member between the age group of 16 to 59; female-headed households with no adult male member of age group 16 to 59; disabled member and no abled adult member in the family; SC/ST households; and landless households deriving their major part of income from manual casual labour.

For Urban Denizens

The workers engaged in certain professions in the urban areas are eligible for the Ayushman Card. It includes those who are street vendors, cobblers, rag pickers, beggars; domestic workers; construction workers, plumbers, masons, laborers, painters, welders, security guards, coolies and other head-load workers; sanitation workers, gardeners, sweepers and milkmen, among others.

Exclusion Criteria

While the Ayushman scheme extends coverage to a broad segment of society, it excludes certain groups. These primarily include families that own land, houses, have a stable income, or have at least one family member employed in the government sector. Additionally, households with non-agricultural enterprises registered with the government, those owning fishing boats or mechanized three or four-wheelers, or earning an annual income above Rs. 10,000, are excluded. Also, households paying income tax or professional tax, and those with a refrigerator or landline phone connection in their home, are considered ineligible for an Ayushman Card.

How to Check Eligibility for Ayushman Card?

One can verify their eligibility for the Ayushman Card either through the PM-JAY mobile application or the official website. The Beneficiary Identification System helps in identifying and verifying the eligible beneficiaries. The common service center (CSC) established by the government would also aid people virtually or physically in ascertaining their eligibility.

Verification of eligibility doesn’t guarantee the issuance of an Ayushman Card. The issuance happens only when the beneficiary needs hospitalization and approaches the hospital for cashless treatment. In such a case, the empaneled hospital checks the beneficiary’s eligibility through a transaction management system using their identification.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Card introduced by the Government of India under the PM-JAY scheme is indeed a lifesaver for underprivileged citizens, offering financial protection against hefty medical expenses. A good understanding of the eligibility criteria for obtaining the Ayushman Card is essential for those in need. If you fall into the defined categories, securing an Ayushman Card can help protect you and your family’s health, ensuring you can access the medical services when needed, minus the financial stress.