The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is a significant health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide financial protection to economically weaker sections of society by covering medical expenses for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisations. As part of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, the scheme covers over 10 crore families, making it one of the world’s largest health insurance programmes. If you are eligible, understanding the PMJAY registration process and the associated ABHA card registration is essential before you apply. This article will guide you through everything you need to know before registering for PMJAY.
What is PMJAY?
PMJAY, also known as the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, was launched to provide free healthcare services to the underprivileged in India. The scheme offers a health cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in India. It covers over 1,350 medical packages, including surgeries, medical treatment, day care procedures, and diagnostic services.
Eligibility for PMJAY
Before proceeding with PMJAY registration, it is crucial to determine if you are eligible for the scheme. The eligibility criteria are primarily based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data of 2011. Families identified as economically vulnerable under the SECC data are automatically eligible for the scheme. In rural areas, this includes families living in a single-room with kucha walls and roof, families without an adult member between ages 16 and 59, female-headed households, and families with disabled members, among others. In urban areas, it includes workers such as street vendors, domestic workers, and construction labourers.
The Importance of the ABHA Card
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card is a critical component of the PMJAY registration process. The ABHA card, formerly known as the Health ID, serves as a unique identifier for individuals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It helps in the seamless transfer of medical records and healthcare services across the country.
Having an ABHA card ensures that your medical history is easily accessible to healthcare providers, enabling better diagnosis and treatment. It also simplifies the process of availing healthcare benefits under the PMJAY scheme, as it links your medical records with your PMJAY eligibility.
How to Register for PMJAY
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
As mentioned earlier, the first step in PMJAY registration is to verify if you are eligible for the scheme. Visit the official PMJAY website and use the eligibility checker tool by entering your mobile number or ration card number.
Step 2: Obtain Your ABHA Card
If you are eligible for PMJAY, the next step is to complete the ABHA card registration. You can do this online through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the ABHA Portal: Go to the official ABHA portal and click on the “Create ABHA Number” option.
- Enter Your Details: You will be prompted to enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, or Driving Licence to create your ABHA number.
- Verify Your Identity: Complete the identity verification process using OTP or biometric authentication.
- Create Your ABHA Card: Once your identity is verified, you can create your ABHA card by filling in the necessary details, such as your name, date of birth, and address.
- Download Your ABHA Card: After completing the registration, you can download your ABHA card. Keep this card safe, as you will need it for availing healthcare services under PMJAY.
Step 3: Visit a PMJAY Empanelled Hospital
After obtaining your ABHA card, you can visit any of the PMJAY empanelled hospitals to avail of the scheme’s benefits. Make sure to carry your ABHA card and identification documents, such as your Aadhaar card or ration card, to verify your eligibility at the hospital.
Important Things to Consider Before You Apply
- Understand the Coverage: Before applying for PMJAY registration, it is important to understand what is covered under the scheme. PMJAY covers a wide range of medical treatments and surgeries, but there are certain exclusions. Cosmetic surgeries, fertility treatments, and outpatient care are generally not covered. Make sure to review the list of covered procedures to ensure that your medical needs align with what the scheme offers.
- Check the Network of Empanelled Hospitals: PMJAY services are available only at empanelled hospitals, both public and private. Before applying, check if there are empanelled hospitals in your area that offer the required medical services. The list of empanelled hospitals is available on the official PMJAY website.
- Keep Your Documents Ready: During PMJAY registration and ABHA card registration, you will need to provide various documents, including identity proof, address proof, and proof of eligibility. Ensure that these documents are up to date and readily available to avoid any delays in the registration process.
- Be Aware of Fraudulent Activities: Unfortunately, the popularity of PMJAY has led to the rise of fraudulent activities. Be cautious of individuals or websites claiming to offer guaranteed registration or asking for payment for enrolment. Remember, PMJAY registration is free of cost, and you should only use official channels for the registration process.
- Utilise the Grievance Redressal System: If you encounter any issues during the registration process or while availing benefits, PMJAY has a robust grievance redressal system in place. You can lodge a complaint through the official website, helpline numbers, or by visiting a PMJAY empanelled hospital.
Conclusion
PMJAY registration is a crucial step towards securing comprehensive healthcare coverage for yourself and your family. By understanding the eligibility criteria, completing the ABHA card registration, and being aware of the important considerations before applying, you can smoothly navigate the registration process. The PMJAY scheme, with its vast network of empanelled hospitals and extensive coverage, provides a safety net for millions of Indians, ensuring they have access to necessary medical treatments without financial burden. Make sure to follow the proper procedures and use official channels to register for this valuable scheme.
