Ayushman Bharat card, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) card.
Eligibility Check:
- First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Eligibility is primarily determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database, which identifies economically vulnerable families.
Identification:
- If your family is eligible, you will be identified as a beneficiary by the government authorities. This typically involves a verification process conducted by local authorities or the State Health Agency (SHA).
Document Verification:
- During the identification process, you may be required to provide certain documents for verification. These documents may include Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or other relevant identification documents.
Registration:
- After successful identification and verification, you will be registered in the Ayushman Bharat database as a beneficiary. You will then receive an Ayushman Bharat card with a unique identification number.
Card Issuance:
- Once registered, you should receive your Ayushman Bharat card, which contains important information, including your name, unique ID number, and details of covered family members. This card may be issued by the State Health Agency or local authorities.
Verification and Use:
- Verify the details on your Ayushman Bharat card to ensure accuracy.
- Keep the card safe, as you will need it to avail of cashless healthcare services at empaneled hospitals.
Hospitalization:
- In case you or your family members require hospitalization or medical treatment covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, you can present your Ayushman Bharat card at any empaneled hospital.
Cashless Treatment:
- Once you present your Ayushman Bharat card at an empaneled hospital, you should be able to receive cashless treatment, meaning you won't have to pay for covered medical expenses upfront. The hospital will bill the expenses directly to the scheme.
Claim Processing:
- The hospital will process the claim and receive payment from the scheme on your behalf.
It's important to note that the process for obtaining an Ayushman Bharat card may vary slightly from state to state in India, as the implementation of the scheme is managed at the state level. Therefore, it's a good idea to check with your State Health Agency or local government health department for specific details and guidance on how to obtain and use your Ayushman Bharat card.
Additionally, please keep in mind that the information provided here is based on my knowledge as of September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes in the Ayushman Bharat scheme since then.