Explore the Latest Changes in Eligibility for the Ayushman Card and Who Stands to Benefit from the Scheme

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), popularly known as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, is one of the most comprehensive health insurance schemes in India. The initiative aims to provide financial protection for economically vulnerable families against the high costs of medical treatment. To ensure the scheme benefits those who need it most, the government has periodically updated the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card. These changes have broadened the scope of coverage and made healthcare more accessible to a larger section of the population.

In this article, we will explore the latest changes in the eligibility for the Ayushman Card and discuss who stands to benefit from these updates.

What is the Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card is an identification card issued under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, enabling eligible individuals to access free healthcare services at empanelled hospitals. With this card, beneficiaries can receive up to Rs. 5 lakh in health insurance coverage per family per year. The coverage extends to secondary and tertiary healthcare services, ensuring protection against large medical expenses.

The Ayushman Card is part of the government’s efforts to provide universal healthcare access to India’s economically disadvantaged population, with a focus on improving the country’s overall health outcomes.

Who was initially eligible for the Ayushman Card?

Initially, the Ayushman Card was offered to beneficiaries identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011. Households were selected based on predefined criteria, focusing on those who were most vulnerable, such as rural families with no adult male members, households with disabled members, and families living in makeshift dwellings or working as manual labourers.

In urban areas, eligibility was determined based on the occupation of household members, with the scheme focusing on low-income workers such as street vendors, domestic workers, construction labourers, and rickshaw pullers. However, over time, the government has updated these criteria to include more groups that require financial assistance for healthcare.

Latest changes in eligibility for the Ayushman Card

Recognising the need for wider coverage, the government has introduced several changes to the eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card. These changes aim to make the scheme more inclusive and ensure that all vulnerable groups have access to essential healthcare services. The following are the key changes to the eligibility criteria:

1. Inclusion of Migrant Workers

One of the most significant recent updates to the scheme is the inclusion of migrant workers. Migrants, who often lack access to stable healthcare due to their transient lifestyle, were previously overlooked by the scheme. The government has now made it possible for migrant workers to apply for the Ayushman Card in their current place of residence, ensuring they receive medical coverage even if they are far from their home state. This is particularly important as many migrant workers belong to low-income groups and are at higher risk of financial distress due to healthcare costs.

2. Expansion of Urban Beneficiaries

The latest changes have also expanded coverage for urban beneficiaries. The updated criteria now include individuals working in informal sectors such as domestic help, daily wage earners, sanitation workers, and street vendors. These workers often lack employer-provided health insurance and are financially vulnerable to sudden medical expenses. By extending Ayushman Card eligibility to these groups, the government has ensured that more people in urban areas can access free healthcare services.

3. Inclusion of Vulnerable Rural Communities

In rural areas, several vulnerable communities that were previously excluded from the scheme are now eligible for the Ayushman Card. These include landless labourers, rural artisans, and other low-income groups. The updated criteria reflect the government’s aim to ensure that the most marginalised sections of society are covered, regardless of their employment or financial status.

4. Special Provision for Women and Children

The latest changes to the Ayushman Card eligibility criteria also focus on vulnerable women and children. For instance, households led by widows or single women, orphaned children, and abandoned or disabled individuals are now given priority under the scheme. This is particularly important, as women and children are often disproportionately affected by healthcare expenses, especially in rural areas where access to medical services is limited.

5. Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Another important change is the inclusion of elderly and disabled individuals. Those with chronic illnesses or disabilities often face higher medical costs, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme has recognised the need to provide these individuals with adequate healthcare coverage. By updating the eligibility criteria to include more elderly and disabled beneficiaries, the scheme aims to alleviate their financial burden and improve their access to medical care.

Who stands to benefit from the latest changes?

The expanded eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Card open up the scheme to a broader section of society. Here’s a closer look at the groups that stand to benefit from these changes:

1. Migrant Workers

Migrant workers often find themselves in precarious situations, moving from one place to another in search of employment. The inclusion of migrant workers in the scheme ensures that they can access healthcare services in any part of the country without worrying about location-based restrictions. This change will provide them with peace of mind, knowing that they have access to free healthcare services regardless of their employment or residence status.

2. Urban Informal Workers

The expansion of eligibility for urban informal workers, such as domestic workers, daily wage earners, and street vendors, ensures that a larger portion of the urban population is covered. These workers often do not have employer-sponsored health insurance and struggle to pay for medical treatments. With the Ayushman Card, they will be able to access quality healthcare without incurring heavy expenses.

3. Rural Vulnerable Groups

The inclusion of rural artisans, landless labourers, and other low-income groups in the updated eligibility criteria ensures that even more rural families can benefit from the scheme. Many of these individuals live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, and the Ayushman Card will enable them to seek timely medical attention without the financial stress.

4. Women and Children

Households led by women, such as widows or single mothers, often face financial challenges when it comes to healthcare. The updated eligibility criteria prioritise these families, ensuring that women and children have access to medical care when they need it. This change helps to address the healthcare inequalities faced by women and children, particularly in rural areas.

5. Elderly and Disabled Individuals

The elderly and disabled often require more medical attention due to chronic illnesses or disabilities. The latest updates to the scheme provide greater access to healthcare for these individuals, ensuring that they are not financially burdened by their medical needs. The Ayushman Card will cover their hospitalisation costs, allowing them to receive the care they need without worrying about expenses.

Conclusion

The recent changes in eligibility for the Ayushman Card reflect the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access to a larger and more diverse section of India’s population. By including migrant workers, urban informal sector employees, rural vulnerable groups, and focusing on women, children, and the elderly, the scheme ensures that those most in need receive the financial protection they deserve. The Ayushman Card remains a vital tool in India’s quest for affordable healthcare, offering up to Rs. 5 lakh in coverage for families and addressing the health disparities prevalent across the country.

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR
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