The Indian government’s healthcare initiatives include the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the ABHA program. Featuring the Ayushman Bharat card and ABHA (Health ID) card, the former offers Medicare to low-income groups, while the latter provides centralised digital access to medical records. Both cards, given to registered beneficiaries, enable access to scheme benefits. This blog outlines the distinctions between the Ayushman and ABHA cards. Delve into the details of Bajaj Allianz’s health insurance coverage as we compare Arogya Sanjeevani and the Health ID Card in our blog.
What Is Ayushman Bharat Card?
Launched in September 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), aims to offer essential healthcare to economically disadvantaged families in India. With around 50 crore beneficiaries, enrollees receive the Ayushman Bharat Card for accessing services in government and private network hospitals nationwide. The program provides cashless treatment and government subsidies, addressing the healthcare needs of the economically challenged population.
The ABHA Health ID Card: What Is It?
Introduced in September 2021 as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) program digitises healthcare in India. Formerly the health ID card, ABHA provides a secure 14-digit healthcare identification number for centralising online medical records. Available to all Indian citizens, regardless of income, it eliminates the need for paper records, allowing easy access to medical history and diagnostics with the patient’s permission. Enrollment is open to individuals of any income level.
Notable Differences Between The Ayushman Card And The ABHA Card
Ayushman and ABHA cards target different audiences. ABHA cards focus on centralising and sharing medical records online for all users, emphasising accessibility. In contrast, economically disadvantaged individuals can apply for Ayushman cards to receive cashless medical care in both public and private network hospitals.
| Parameters | ABHA card | Ayushman Card |
| Purpose | To ensure that access and sharing of medical records is easy. | Cashless healthcare benefits and services to beneficiaries. |
| Coverage | Unlimited access to medical accounts. | Up to Rs.5 lakh per family per year |
| Benefits | Unique 14-digit healthcare identity. | Cashless and free medical treatment. |
| Income group | Available for all Indian nationals. | Available only for economically weaker income groups. |
| Eligibility | All Indian Nationals | Identified in SECC |
| Enrollment | Voluntarily | Mandatory for valid beneficiaries |
Integration Of The ABHA Card With The Health Insurance Plan Is Required
ABHA cards centralise medical records, streamlining record management digitally. This eliminates the need for hard copies as all health records, including diagnosis, lab results, and medical history, are easily accessible. Additionally, ABHA cards simplify the claims process for individuals with health insurance plans, providing financial stability during challenging times.
Health insurance plans offer various advantages, such as vaccination coverage, tax benefits, and maternity coverage, making them a preferred choice for managing high medical costs. **
ABHA cards, integrated with Bajaj Allianz medical insurance plans, eliminate the need for physical records during settlement. Policyholders’ medical records and costs are easily accessible to insurance companies, streamlining the settlement process. Both ABHA and Ayushman Bharat cards, introduced by the Indian government, serve distinct social goals. Make sure you do the process of health insurance renewal on time. *
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**Tax benefits are subject to change in prevalent tax laws.
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.
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