The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a flagship healthcare initiative by the Government of India. Under this scheme, eligible families receive health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year. The Ayushman Card is the key to availing of the benefits of this scheme. This card can be used to access healthcare services at any of the registered hospitals across India, both public and private.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to download the Ayushman Card and outline the necessary documents required to successfully complete the process.
Why the Ayushman Card is Important
The Ayushman Card provides access to cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals for eligible beneficiaries. It is an identification card that proves your entitlement to the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, ensuring that healthcare remains affordable for economically disadvantaged families. With this card, you can receive treatments for a wide range of diseases and surgeries, including critical care, at no cost.
How to Download the Ayushman Card: Step-by-Step Process
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to download the Ayushman Card online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Ayushman Bharat Portal
To begin the process, visit the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY website at https://pmjay.gov.in. You can also use the Mera Ayushman mobile app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Step 2: Login Using Aadhaar or Mobile Number
Once on the website or app, log in using your registered Aadhaar number or mobile number. If you choose to log in using your Aadhaar, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar for verification.
● Aadhaar-Based Login: Enter your Aadhaar number, and you will receive an OTP for verification.
● Mobile Number Login: Alternatively, enter your mobile number, and after OTP verification, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Search for Eligibility
After successfully logging in, the next step is to check your eligibility status for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. You can search for your eligibility by entering one of the following:
● Aadhaar Number
● Mobile Number
● Ration Card Number
The system will cross-check the provided information with the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data to determine if you are eligible for the scheme.
Step 4: Download the Ayushman Card
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the portal will provide an option to download the Ayushman Card. Click on the download option, and your Ayushman Card will be saved to your device. You can then print a hard copy of the card or keep a digital version saved on your phone.
The card contains your unique Ayushman Bharat ID and other important details that hospitals will need to verify when you seek treatment under the scheme.
Required Documents for Ayushman Card Download
To ensure a smooth process when downloading and registering for the Ayushman Card, it is important to have the following documents ready. These documents may be required to verify your identity and eligibility:
1. Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar Card is the primary identification document for availing of the benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It is required for logging into the portal and verifying your identity. Make sure that your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar to receive the OTP for login.
2. PAN Card
Though the PAN Card is not mandatory for everyone, it may be required in certain states or hospitals for additional verification. The PAN helps in financial verification and ensures that there are no discrepancies in the data during the application process.
3. Ration Card
The Ration Card is one of the most important documents to determine eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The scheme uses the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, and the Ration Card helps in verifying if your family qualifies for the scheme. If your family is listed in the SECC data, you are most likely eligible for the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
4. Driving Licence
The Driving Licence can be used as an additional identity proof during the registration process. While it is not mandatory, having your driving licence handy can expedite the verification process, especially if there is a need for cross-verifying identity details.
How to Use the Ayushman Card at Hospitals
Once you have successfully downloaded the Ayushman Card, you can use it at any empaneled hospital to avail of the benefits of the scheme. Here’s how:
1. Visit an Empaneled Hospital: Ensure that the hospital where you are seeking treatment is registered under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. You can check the list of empaneled hospitals on the official portal.
2. Show Your Ayushman Card: When you arrive at the hospital, present your Ayushman Card at the reception or registration desk. The hospital staff will verify your card and register you for the required treatment.
3. Cashless Treatment: Once verified, you can receive cashless treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, up to the limit of ₹5 lakh per year. The hospital will directly settle the bill with the insurance provider under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
While the process of downloading and using the Ayushman Card is generally straightforward, some common issues may arise. Here are a few problems you might encounter and how to resolve them:
1. Eligibility Not Found
If your eligibility is not found even though you believe you qualify, try searching again using your Ration Card Number or Aadhaar linked with your mobile number. You can also contact the Ayushman Bharat Helpline at 14555 for assistance.
2. Incorrect Details on Ayushman Card
If you notice any errors or discrepancies in the information printed on your Ayushman Card, such as misspelled names or wrong addresses, visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to get the details corrected.
3. Unable to Download the Card
If you face issues while downloading the card, ensure that your internet connection is stable, and try again. In case the issue persists, you can contact the technical support team of Ayushman Bharat via the official website.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has a wide range of benefits, making it a life-saving scheme for millions of people across India:
● Financial Protection: The scheme offers cashless and paperless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
● Wide Coverage: It covers over 1,500 health conditions, ranging from common ailments to critical illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and more.
● No Discrimination: Beneficiaries can receive treatment in any empaneled public or private hospital across India.
● Free of Cost: All treatments and services provided under the scheme are free for eligible families. There is no need to pay for registration or for the Ayushman Card itself.
The Ayushman Card is a crucial document for accessing health care services under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. Downloading the card is a simple process that can be done online through the official portal or app. By ensuring that you have the necessary documents like the Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, and Driving Licence, you can complete the registration and download process without hassle.
Once you have the card, you and your family can avail of cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals across the country. The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a game-changer in making healthcare affordable and accessible to all.