Are There Any Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining An Ayushman Card?
In India, the health care system witnessed a significant transformation with the introduction of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The government specifically designed this scheme to cater to the health requirements of people hailing from economically weaker sections. This program provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization through a network of Empanelled Health Care Providers. At the heart of this reform lies the Ayushman card, which entitles the holder to the benefits of the scheme.
Here we’ll focus on understanding the eligibility criteria for obtaining an Ayushman card, which acts as a gateway to reap the benefits of one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes.
Ayushman Card: A Brief Overview
Before delving into the eligibility criteria, it’s essential to understand what an Ayushman card is. An Ayushman card is a unique identification card issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The card contains all the necessary details about the beneficiary, and it allows the cardholder to avail free healthcare and hospitalization benefits up to INR 5 lakh per family per year in any government and even certain private hospitals across the country.
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card
The eligibility criteria for obtaining an Ayushman card revolve entirely around the socio-economic status of the individual or family. The National Health Agency (NHA), the apex body implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, has established explicit guidelines for the same.
According to the rules set by the NHA, the eligibility for an Ayushman card is based on the deprivation categories in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database. The rural and urban sectors have different criteria.
In rural areas, households that belong to any one of the six deprivation criteria as per the SECC data are eligible. These criteria include households with one room, no adult member between ages 16 to 59, female-headed families with no adult male member between ages 16 to 59, disabled members and no able-bodied adult members, SC/ST households, and landless households deriving a significant part of their income from manual casual labor.
In urban areas, 11 occupational categories are entitled to get an Ayushman card. These include rag pickers, beggars, domestic workers, street vendors, cobblers/ hawkers/ other service providers working on streets, construction workers/ plumbers/ masons/ labor/ painters/ welders/ security guards/ cookies and other head-load workers, sanitation workers, home-based workers/ artisans/handicrafts workers/ tailors, transport workers/ drivers/ conductors/ helpers to drivers and conductors/ cart pullers/ rickshaw pullers, shop workers/ assistants/ peons in small establishments/ helpers/ delivery assistants / attendants/ waiters, and electricians/ mechanics/ assemblers/ repair workers.
It is worth noting that regardless of the eligibility, the Ayushman card issuance is subject to the final verification and sanction by official Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana authorities.
Additionally, automatic inclusion without any form of targeting and discretion is given to those who are without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive tribal groups, and legally released bonded laborers.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Card?
Eligible beneficiaries can apply for the Ayushman card by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). The process involves filling out an application form and submitting all necessary documents, including identification and address proof.
After submitting the application, a confirmation message will be sent to the registered mobile number. Post verification by the authorities, the Ayushman card will be issued.
Conclusion
The Ayushman card is an essential component of the PMJDY scheme. This card provides access to a comprehensive health insurance policy, allowing economically challenged families to enjoy free healthcare services. However, obtaining this card involves meeting specific stringent criteria defined based on socio-economic factors. The Government of India and respective State Governments are constantly monitoring and upgrading these guidelines to ensure the maximum reach of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. After all, affordable and accessible healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen.
