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Ayushman Bharat Health Account Vs. Ayushman Bharat Card: Key Differences

TeamAckoJan 23, 2024

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is an initiative launched in 2018, that has been targeted at the economically weaker sections of society, to provide them with financial assistance for their healthcare requirements.

Since this initiative was launched on the recommendation of the National Health Policy, both of its parts, Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and Ayushman Bharat Card, are aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

However, even if both of these are parts of the same project, there are some significant differences between the two in terms of purpose, eligibility, benefits, etc.

Here, we will be discussing the difference between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card to help you learn about both concepts in a clear and detailed way.

Contents

What is an Ayushman Bharat Health Account?
What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?
What is the Difference Between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card?
Final Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Ayushman Bharat Health Account?

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was launched in 2021 by the Indian Government to digitalize the healthcare system of India. Through an ABH account, you can keep track of all your medical records, health history, medical insurance and prescriptions digitally.

Individuals having an ABH account have a unique 14-digit number, known as ABHA ID, which is linked to their mobile number and Aadhaar card. These accounts are linked through hospitals across India so that doctors can have access to the medical histories .

Individuals can create their own ABH account free of cost. Also, opting for an ABH ID is voluntary.

What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Ayushman Bharat Card is a part of the Prime Minister's healthcare initiatives - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and the Health and Wellness Center. The major goal of this card is to better equip medical facilities and deliver quality healthcare to low-income individuals in India.

It benefits families according to the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC). This card acts as a financial protection for them, through which such individuals can get free healthcare services at the enlisted hospitals.

Moreover, Ayushman Bharat Card covers up to Rs.5,00,000 for each family every year. It provides free healthcare services to around Rs.10 Crore economically vulnerable families. It also covers 1400 medical procedures and the costs of 3 days pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalisation.

Therefore, an Ayushman Bharat Card can help you fulfill your medical needs in the best possible way.

What is the Difference Between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card?

Although both ABHA and Ayushman Cards are linked to the Aadhaar cards, they serve different purposes when it comes to their use. Hence, given below is a table showing the key difference between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card.

Basis	Ayushman Bharat Health Account	Ayushman Bharat Cards
Purpose	To digitalise the healthcare ecosystem of India and to enable doctors to have access to medical histories easily.	To enable the cashless healthcare system, through which beneficiaries get their medical expenses covered.
Benefits	The major ABHA card benefit is you get a unique 14-digit identity number to access the healthcare records from anywhere. You can share your medical history with medical practitioners anytime.	The benefit of medical treatments on diseases related to kidney, heart, liver, respiratory organs, burn injuries, neurological disorders etc. free of cost, for underprivileged sections.
Eligibility	All citizens of India	Beneficiaries are identified based on the data of SECC.
Income Group	Individuals of all income groups, who are citizens of India.	Targeted for economically weaker sections, with income not more than 5 Lakhs in a year.
Enrollment	Voluntary	Ayushman card registration is mandatory for eligible beneficiaries.
Coverage	No limits to having access to a medical account	Maximum 5 Lakhs for each family in a year.

Among the ongoing discussions regarding Ayushman Bharat Health Account Vs. Ayushman Bharat Card, it is essential to know that these two primarily differ in their objectives and income group.

Final Takeaway

Overall, we hope now you have a clear picture that the Government of India has launched both the Ayushman Bharat Health Account and the Ayushman Bharat Card for the well-being of the citizens of India. Although the difference between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card is major, both these products come under the PM-JAY scheme, contributing to a better healthcare ecosystem in India.

Nevertheless, you must have a health insurance plan that can cover the medical expenses of your family. Having medical insurance and keeping it updated in ABHA will help you get assistance during emergencies. It would ensure you do not have to rush for funds during medical emergencies, leading to free and safe healthcare facilities for a happy family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the difference between an Ayushman Bharat Health Account and an Ayushman Bharat card.

What is the difference between a health card and an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Both Ayushman Bharat cards and other health cards act as a policyholder's proof. Through this, one can access the benefits of a medical insurance plan. However, their main difference lies in the targeted income group, which may differ based on the scheme under which the health card might have been issued.

In this case, an Ayushman Bharat card aims for the economically weaker sections of India and is a part of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

What health issues does the Ayushman Bharat card cover?

Some of the health issues an Ayushman Bharat card cover includes:

Skull base surgery
Double valve replacement
Carotid angioplasty with stent
Tissue expander for disfigurement caused by burns
Prostate cancer
Anterior spine fixation
Coronary artery bypass grafting

What are the documents required to open an Ayushman Bharat Health Account?

Documents necessary to open an Ayushman Bharat Health Account are as follows:

Caste certificate
Aadhaar card or PAN card as identity and address proof
Income certificate
Contact details, such as mobile number and email
Document to clarify the status of your family (joint or nuclear)

Can pregnant women benefit from an Ayushman Bharat card?

Yes, Ayushman Bharat card can cover medical expenses throughout the pregnancy period, including delivery.

Is it possible to get pre-existing diseases covered through Ayushman Bharat Registration?

Yes, beneficiaries can get their pre-existing diseases covered through Ayushman Bharat registration from the first day.

How can I update the data on our Ayushman Bharat card?

If you would like to update data on your Ayushman Bharat card, you can call the Ayushman Bharat helpline number 1800 111 565 or visit the Common Service Centre (CSC).