The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is one of the largest health care schemes in India. It aims to provide health insurance to economically weaker sections of society. Senior citizens, especially from poor families, can benefit from this scheme. This article will explain How to Apply for Ayushman Card for Senior Sitizens Online. It will also cover important aspects such as the scheme’s objectives, rules, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched by the Government of India. It offers health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year. The scheme aims to provide free medical treatment for secondary and tertiary health conditions. It covers over 10 crore families across India. Senior citizens are a significant part of this target group.
Objective of the Scheme
The primary goal of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is to offer financial protection to economically vulnerable families. Medical emergencies often lead to huge expenses. This scheme ensures that even the poor can access quality healthcare without worrying about costs. Senior citizens often need more medical care due to age-related issues. Through this scheme, they can receive timely treatment at minimal or no cost.
Benefits and Features of the Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides several benefits:
- Free Treatment: Under the scheme, senior citizens can receive free medical care at both government and empaneled private hospitals.
- Cashless Treatment: The scheme provides cashless treatment. Patients do not need to pay upfront for the treatment. The hospital receives payment directly from the government.
- Wide Coverage: The scheme covers over 1,500 medical conditions. It includes surgeries, medical procedures, and consultations for a variety of diseases.
- Family Coverage: The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a family-based health insurance program. It covers all members of the family, including senior citizens, children, and adults.
- No Premium: Beneficiaries under this scheme do not have to pay any premium. The government bears all the costs.
- Portability: The scheme is portable. Senior citizens can access health benefits in any state in India, even if they live far from their home state.
- Empanelled Hospitals: The government has partnered with thousands of private and public hospitals to provide treatment under this scheme. Senior citizens can choose the hospital that suits them best.
Scheme Eligibility Criteria for Senior Citizens
To be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, senior citizens must meet certain criteria. These include:
1. Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011
- Primary Eligibility: The senior citizen must belong to a household that is listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. This database identifies families based on their economic status and categorizes them under economically weaker sections.
- Only those families who fall under the eligible categories in the SECC 2011 data are entitled to the scheme benefits, including senior citizens in such households.
2. Age Criteria
- There is no specific age limit for the scheme. However, senior citizens (aged 70 years and above) are automatically covered if their family is listed as eligible in the SECC 2011 data.
- While age is not a determining factor for applying, senior citizens are considered as high-priority beneficiaries due to their increased medical needs.
3. Rural and Uraban Category
- Eligibility differs slightly based on whether the senior citizen lives in a rural or urban area.
- Rural Areas: Families without a proper house, those dependent on daily wage labor, or from marginalized sections like SC/ST are generally eligible. Senior citizens in these families are covered.
- Urban Areas: In cities, families engaged in low-income occupations such as street vending, domestic work, or other informal sectors may be eligible. If a senior citizen belongs to such a household, they are entitled to the benefits.
4. Financial Status
- Senior citizens must be from economically weaker sections, specifically those without access to other health insurance schemes.
- The household must be below the poverty line (BPL) or fall under vulnerable income categories to qualify for the scheme.
5. Existing Health Insurance
- The scheme is designed for individuals who do not already have health insurance. If a senior citizen is covered under a different government or private health insurance program, they may not be eligible for the Ayushman Card.
6. Family Coverage
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme is family-based. Senior citizens are automatically included in the health coverage if their household is eligible. There is no restriction on family size or the number of dependents covered under the scheme.
7. Specific Exclusions
- Families with a senior citizen earning a higher income (like government employees or those paying income tax) are generally excluded from the scheme.
- Those who possess vehicles or modern assets such as large agricultural machinery are also excluded as per SECC norms.
आयुष्मान भारत प्रधानमंत्री – जन आरोग्य योजना तहत हर लाभार्थी को सूचीबद्ध अस्पतालों में उच्च उपचार की सुविधा सुनिश्चित।
— National Health Authority (NHA) (@AyushmanNHA) September 10, 2024
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- Age: There is no specific age limit for the scheme. However, senior citizens, especially those over 60 years of age, are considered high-priority beneficiaries.
- Family Inclusion: The scheme is family-based, so all family members are eligible. Senior citizens living in a household listed in the SECC database can receive benefits.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card Application
Before applying for the Ayushman Card online, senior citizens should gather the necessary documents. These include:
- Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar is the primary identity proof required for this scheme.
- Ration Card: A valid ration card helps verify the socio-economic status of the applicant.
- Age Proof: A document showing the age of the senior citizen is essential. This can be an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or birth certificate.
- SECC Certificate: Senior citizens must have their family listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. This certificate proves their eligibility.
- Mobile Number: A working mobile number is required for registration and communication.
- Bank Account Details: It’s necessary to provide bank account details in case any reimbursement is needed.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card for Senior Sitizens Online
Follow these steps to apply for an Ayushman Card for senior citizens online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
First, go to the official Ayushman Bharat PMJAY website: https://pmjay.gov.in.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
On the homepage, click on the “Am I Eligible” option. You will be asked to provide some basic details like mobile number and state. After that, enter your Aadhaar number or ration card number to check if your family is listed in the SECC database.
Step 3: Registration
If eligible, you can begin the registration process. You will need to provide your Aadhaar number, ration card, and age proof. After entering these details, click on “Submit”.
Step 4: Verification
The system will verify your details against the SECC database. If all details are correct, you will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed.
Step 5: Application Submission
Once verified, fill in the required information such as personal details, family members’ details, and address. After completing the form, submit your application.
Step 6: Receive Ayushman Card
After successful submission, you will receive an application number. This number is essential for tracking your Ayushman card status. Within a few weeks, your Ayushman card will be issued. You can download a digital copy from the website.
How to Use the Ayushman Card
Once you have the Ayushman Card, you can use it at any empaneled hospital. Here’s how:
- Visit the Hospital: Go to any government or private hospital that is part of the Ayushman Bharat network.
- Show Ayushman Card: At the hospital, show your Ayushman card to the hospital authorities.
- Verification: The hospital will verify your card using their system. After verification, you will be eligible for cashless treatment.
- Receive Treatment: Once verified, the hospital will provide the necessary treatment without asking for any payment.
Guidelines for Senior Citizens
- Regular Health Checkups: Senior citizens are advised to go for regular health checkups. This will help in early detection of diseases and timely treatment.
- Emergency Situations: In case of emergency, the Ayushman card allows senior citizens to receive immediate treatment at empaneled hospitals.
- Keep Documents Safe: It is important to keep all documents like Aadhaar card, Ayushman card, and other identification proofs safe and accessible.
- Track Application Status: After applying for the card, senior citizens should regularly check the application status on the official website.
Scheme Rules and Guidelines
- No Age Restriction: The scheme is open to all family members regardless of age. Senior citizens are automatically included if their family is eligible.
- Free Services: The scheme provides free health services at empaneled hospitals. Senior citizens should not pay for any services covered under the scheme.
- No Premium: There are no monthly or yearly premiums to be paid by senior citizens. The scheme is fully funded by the government.
- Valid Across India: Senior citizens can use the Ayushman card in any state in India, regardless of their home state.
- No Capping on Family Size: There is no limit to the number of family members covered under the scheme. Every eligible member, including senior citizens, can avail of benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Documents: Ensure that all documents, such as Aadhaar and ration card, are correct and updated.
- Not Checking Eligibility: Always check if your family is listed in the SECC database before applying.
- Delay in Application: Apply for the Ayushman card early to avoid delays in receiving health benefits.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme is a valuable health insurance program for senior citizens. It offers cashless treatment at hospitals and covers a wide range of medical conditions. Senior citizens can apply for the Ayushman card online with ease. The card ensures that they receive the best healthcare services without financial burden. By following the steps mentioned above, senior citizens can secure their Ayushman card and access quality healthcare whenever they need it.
References
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/sep/doc2024912393201.pdf