In today’s world, it is becoming increasingly important to prioritize one’s well-being when it comes to their health and finances. In an effort to address the challenges of health insurance for those who are economically disadvantaged, Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched in India in 2018. Under the scheme, individuals are granted access to healthcare facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and given an Ayushman card. The Ayushman card allows beneficiaries to avail themselves of various health insurance policies covered under the PMJAY scheme. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of Ayushman card in detail and its impact on health insurance.
Ayushman Card Benefits:
The Ayushman card provides benefits to its holders on several fronts. Here are the key advantages of the card:
1. Comprehensive coverage: The Ayushman card provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses for up to Rs.5 lakh per family per year. The card covers expenses for all medical procedures, tests, and surgeries that are covered under the PMJAY scheme.
2. Paperless claims: Ayushman card holders can avail of paperless claims where all details of the medical expenses are sent electronically to the insurer. This makes the claims process hassle-free and more transparent.
3. High-Quality Healthcare: Ayushman cardholders can avail of quality healthcare services from top hospitals, doctors, and labs that are empaneled with the PMJAY scheme. In addition, the cardholder can also seek treatment from government hospitals if they do not have access to private hospitals.
4. Portability: Ayushman cardholders can avail themselves of medical facilities anywhere in India. The cardholder can access healthcare facilities in any of the empaneled hospitals across the country.
5. Cashless transactions: Ayushman card holders do not have to pay cash for medical expenses. All expenses are covered under the scheme, and the cardholder is not required to pay anything out of their pocket.
Impact of Ayushman Card on Health Insurance Policy:
The Ayushman card has significantly impacted the health insurance policy in India. Here are some ways in which the Ayushman card has made a notable impact:
1. Reduced financial burden: The Ayushman card reduces the financial burden on low-income families and individuals by providing access to quality healthcare services. Prior to the scheme, these families had to pay medical bills out of their pocket, which often led to financial stress and burden.
2. Increased awareness: The Ayushman card has also increased awareness about the importance of health insurance Policy. Individuals who were previously indifferent to health insurance are now incentivized to sign up for PMJAY scheme and obtain an Ayushman card to reap the benefits of the scheme.
3. Improved healthcare services: As more individuals opt for PMJAY scheme and obtain an Ayushman card, the demand for healthcare services has increased. This has led to an increased supply of healthcare services across the country, leading to improved healthcare services and facilities.
4. Increased participation from insurance companies: The PMJAY scheme has also encouraged insurance companies to participate in the scheme. This has led to increased competition, better insurance policies, and affordable premiums for individuals and families.
The Impact of Ayushman Bharat Yojana on Financial Wellness and Medical Security:
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has made a significant impact on the financial wellness of individuals who are economically disadvantaged. The scheme has helped provide access to quality healthcare services to millions of Indians, thereby reducing their financial burden. The Ayushman card, in particular, has had a profound impact on medical security. The cardholders no longer have to worry about medical expenses as all medical expenses are covered under the scheme. This, in turn, has led to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety related to medical expenditures.
In conclusion, the Ayushman card has provided much-needed relief to low-income families and individuals in India. The comprehensive coverage, paperless claims, quality healthcare, portability, and cashless transactions provided under the PMJAY scheme gives these individuals access to quality healthcare services at an affordable price. Furthermore, the Ayushman card has also led to increased awareness about the importance of and improved healthcare services and facilities across the country. There is no doubt that Ayushman Bharat Yojana has made a significant impact on the financial wellness and medical security of millions of Indians across the country.
