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In today's era of skyrocketing inflation, a sudden illness can deal a devastating financial blow to poor and low-income (BPL) families. Exorbitant hospital bills can be financially crippling. To alleviate this helplessness faced by the common man, the Government of India launched an ambitious health insurance scheme: the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The scheme aims to ensure that no poor person is denied medical treatment due to a lack of funds.

What is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is not merely an ordinary card; it is a digital health card issued under the PM-JAY scheme. If you are eligible for this scheme, the card grants you access to cashless medical treatment at thousands of government and private hospitals across the country. It is linked to your Aadhaar and beneficiary details, enabling immediate hospital admission without the hassle of paperwork.

What are the benefits of this card?
Possessing an Ayushman Card means your family is secured by a robust safety net:
Free insurance cover of ₹5 lakh: Every family receives up to ₹5 lakh in free, cashless medical treatment annually.
Coverage for major ailments: It covers expenses ranging from surgeries and hospitalization to expensive medicines, diagnostic tests, and post-discharge care.

Paperless facility: There is no need to pay cash at the hospital or carry piles of documents; the entire process is digital.
Inclusive coverage: There are no restrictions regarding the number of family members or their age.

Who is eligible to get this card?
This scheme is primarily designed for families facing severe financial hardship. The government has compiled a list of beneficiaries based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) and other government databases. This includes ration card holders and many families in the BPL category. Please note that merely holding a BPL card is not enough; your name must be registered on the official government list.

What documents are required? Keep the following items ready before applying:
Aadhaar Card
Mobile number linked to your Aadhaar
Ration Card (if available)
Family ID or PM-JAY ID (if you have one)

How to create an Ayushman Card yourself using your mobile?
You do not need to visit a cyber cafe; simply follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Check your eligibility
First, visit the official PM-JAY website or the Beneficiary Portal. Check if your name is on the list; you can proceed only if your name appears there.

Step 2: Download the Ayushman App
Download the official Ayushman App of the National Health Authority from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your phone.

Step 3: Log in
Open the app and register using your mobile number. You will receive an OTP on your number; enter it to verify.

Step 4: Search for your family
Select your state in the app. Then, search for your details using your Aadhaar number, Ration Card, Family ID, or PM-JAY ID. If eligible, the complete list of your family members will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Complete e-KYC
Click on your name from the list and proceed with Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification. You can easily complete this by choosing the OTP option. Fill in all the necessary information requested on the page.

Step 6: Download the card
Once your details are approved, you can instantly download your digital Ayushman Card from the app or portal.

What to do if your name is not on the list?
Do not be disappointed! You can visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or seek assistance from the Ayushman Help Desk at an empanelled hospital. Additionally, you can contact your State Health Agency.

Important points to remember
Use only the official National Health Authority app to get your Ayushman Card made. Do not pay anyone to get the card, as the process is completely free. Also, ensure that the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is active for OTP verification.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.