Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Top 10 Benefits to Know

Considering the size and the population of India, it is impossible for everyone to have a personalised health insurance policy. Compared to people who have a steady source of income and can afford to pay policy premiums, daily labourers, and those below the poverty line (BPL), cannot afford a personal health insurance. To tackle this disparity in having access to basic healthcare facilities, the Indian government launched Ayushman Bharat, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). It is a landmark healthcare scheme implemented in 2018. Ayushman Bharat health insurance aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to the economically vulnerable sections of society. Let's explore the top 10 benefits of this transformative initiative.

Top Benefits of Ayushman Card (PMJAY) Scheme

The following are the 10 major health insurance benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme:

Universal Healthcare Access

Ayushman Bharat seeks to achieve the goal of universal healthcare access for all citizens of India. It covers approximately 50 crore individuals from vulnerable and economically weaker sections of society, ensuring they receive the medical treatment they need without facing financial hardships.

Cashless Treatment

One of the significant benefits of Ayushman Bharat is that it offers cashless treatment to beneficiaries. Under the scheme, individuals can avail of medical services at network hospitals without making any out-of-pocket payments. This feature significantly reduces the financial burden on patients and their families during critical medical situations.

Extensive Coverage

Ayushman Bharat provides coverage for a wide range of medical treatments and procedures. It covers over 1,500 medical packages, including hospitalization expenses, surgeries, diagnostics, and pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalisation costs. The comprehensive coverage ensures beneficiaries have access to quality healthcare services.

Empowering Women

Ayushman Bharat prioritizes women's health and well-being. It provides special packages for women-related health issues, including Maternity Care, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other reproductive health concerns. By addressing women's specific healthcare needs, it promotes gender equality and empowerment.

Network Hospitals and Quality Standards

The scheme has established a network of empanelled hospitals across the country to provide healthcare services to beneficiaries. These hospitals must adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring patients receive standardized and high-quality medical treatment. Empanelled hospitals are equipped with modern facilities and qualified healthcare professionals.

Beneficiary Identification and Portability

Ayushman Bharat utilizes technology-driven systems to identify and enrol beneficiaries. Through the use of Aadhaar cards, eligible individuals can easily register for the scheme and avail of its benefits. Additionally, the portability feature allows beneficiaries to seek treatment across any empanelled hospital in India, regardless of their location.

Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure

One of the primary goals of Ayushman Bharat is to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. By providing cashless treatment and comprehensive coverage, it ensures beneficiaries do not have to deplete their savings or sell assets to afford medical care. This financial relief promotes better access to quality healthcare services. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare

Ayushman Bharat places significant emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure across the country. It supports the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services at the grassroot-level. These centres play a crucial role in disease prevention, early detection, and management of chronic illnesses.

Employment Generation

Ayushman Bharat has contributed to employment generation in the healthcare sector. The increased demand for medical services has led to the creation of job opportunities for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff. This not only improves the overall healthcare workforce but also boosts economic growth.

Reduced Health Disparities

One of the notable benefits of Ayushman Bharat is its potential to reduce health disparities in India. By extending healthcare coverage to vulnerable sections of society, it aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare facilities. It promotes equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.

Additional Benefits Offered in PMJAY Scheme

The following additional benefits are offered in the scheme:

1. Provision of food services for patients and their family members
2. Coverage of pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses
3. Accommodation
4. Coverage for medical tests

Eligibility for PM-JAY Healthcare Scheme in Rural and Urban Areas

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides health insurance coverage to families identified as economically vulnerable through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. Eligibility includes families below the poverty line, scheduled castes and tribes, and those facing significant socio-economic challenges. The scheme aims to cover a broad range of vulnerable groups, ensuring access to healthcare for both rural and urban populations. Specific criteria include families with limited financial resources, promoting inclusive healthcare access for those most in need..

Should You Consider This Policy?

While Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits the economically vulnerable, those with a steady income should also consider regular health insurance policies for comprehensive coverage. Ayushman Bharat is a transformative initiative providing extensive healthcare benefits to vulnerable sections of society. However, it is advisable to opt for a regular health insurance policy for broader coverage. Use a health insurance premium calculator to find a suitable policy.

Conclusion

While the initiative behind Ayushman Bharat scheme is good and meant to expand in the near future, you should opt for a regular health insurance policy for yourself and your loved ones. Take assistance of the health insurance premium calculator to get a quote which suits your budget and requirements.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.