Ayushman Bharat Card: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

Currently, 6 crore senior citizens are enrolled under AB-PMJAY, and over 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational nationwide, reportedly helping citizens save more than Rs 40,000 crore on subsidised medicines.

Eligibility for an Ayushman Card is open to all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income level or existing health insurance coverage. Beneficiaries of other government healthcare schemes, such as CGHS and ECHS, can also opt for Ayushman Bharat coverage. The scheme places no cap on family size or the age of family members, and pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day of enrollment.

Benefits under PM-JAY include medical examination, treatment, consultation, pre-hospitalisation expenses, medicines, diagnostic tests, medical implantation services, accommodation, food services, and post-hospitalisation follow-up care for up to 15 days.

To apply for an Ayushman Card, individuals need an Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Mobile Number, and a Passport-size Photograph. Additional documents like an e-Shram Card, Labour Card, or other government identification may also be helpful.

Eligible individuals can apply online via the PM-JAY beneficiary portal. The process involves visiting the portal, selecting the 'Beneficiary' option, verifying a mobile number with OTP, choosing PM-JAY, selecting the state and district, searching for details using Aadhaar or other options, completing verification with a photograph and PIN code, and submitting the application. Application status can be checked after approximately 24 hours.