Difference Between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card

Posted on: Mar 27, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Difference Between Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Ayushman Bharat Card

Ayushman Bharat Health Account Vs. Ayushman Bharat Card

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to improve healthcare access and affordability for its citizens. Among them are the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and the Ayushman Bharat Card.

While they fall under the umbrella of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, their objectives are different. This article will explain the main distinctions between the two.

What is an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)?

Launched in 2021, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) allows you to create an ABHA. The account has a unique 14-digit health ID, which is a central repository for all your medical records, including prescriptions, lab reports, diagnoses, and consultation details. You can voluntarily create an ABHA ID free of charge and securely share your records with doctors, hospitals, and health insurance companies with your consent. The aim is to promote seamless access to medical history and improve diagnosis and treatment planning.

Benefits of ABHA:

• Access your health records anytime, anywhere, through a secure online platform

• Easily share your healthcare records with doctors for more informed treatment decisions

• Track your health trends over time and identify any concerns

• Linking ABHA to insurance simplifies claim filing and reduces paperwork

What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Introduced in September 2018 as part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the Ayushman Bharat Card is a cashless healthcare scheme for the economically weaker sections of society. Eligible families, identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), receive a card that grants them access to free medical treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. The card covers up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for healthcare services, including pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.

The major health issues this card covers include:

• Burn injuries

• Cancer

• Contagious diseases (such as tuberculosis and malaria)

• Congenital disorders

• Daycare procedures and surgeries

• Heart diseases

• Kidney diseases

• Liver diseases

• Mental illnesses

• Neonatal diseases

• Neurological disorders

• Respiratory diseases

Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Card:

• Cashless treatment for various illnesses at empanelled public and private hospitals across India

• Financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family every year for covered medical procedures

• Coverage for 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses

• Coverage includes over 1400 medical procedures, including surgeries, therapies, and consultations

Ayushman Bharat Health Account vs. Ayushman Bharat Card: A Comparison Table

Feature	Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)	Ayushman Bharat Card
Purpose	Digitise healthcare ecosystem and store medical records	Provide financial assistance for medical treatment
Eligibility	All Indian citizens (voluntary)	Economically weaker sections identified through SECC data (mandatory)
Income Group	All income groups	Below Rs. 5 lakh annual income
Benefits	Secure access to medical records, improved care coordination, and management of medical history	Cashless treatment for covered procedures, reduced financial burden, improved healthcare access
Coverage	No limit on access to medical records	Up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year
Registration	Voluntary online or through a mobile app	Mandatory for eligible beneficiaries, various registration options

The Bottom Line

Both ABHA and the Ayushman Bharat Card are important initiatives for the Ayushman Bharat initiative. ABHA helps you manage your health records, while the card provides much-needed financial support for essential healthcare services to specific groups. If you don’t fall under the specified criteria for the Ayushman Bharat Card or require additional coverage, consider obtaining individual health insurance.

HDFC Ergo offers comprehensive health insurance plans to cover various medical expenses, including hospitalisation, surgeries, and consultations.

FAQs

• Do I need an ABHA to have an Ayushman Bharat Card?

No, having an ABHA is not mandatory for obtaining an Ayushman Bharat Card. However, linking your ABHA to your Ayushman Bharat Card can streamline access to your health records within empanelled hospitals.

• Can I use my Ayushman Bharat Health Card for private healthcare?

Yes, you can use your Ayushman Bharat Card in private hospitals. The scheme provides financial protection for medical expenses to eligible beneficiaries at both government and private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme.

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

Documents necessary for Ayushman Bharat Health Account ABHA registration include:

• A valid identity proof (Aadhaar card or PAN card)

• Income certificate

• Caste certificate

• Contact details

• How can I apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card online?

You can apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card online through the following easy steps:

• Visit the official PM-JAY website

• Select the ‘ABHA’ option

• Enter your Aadhaar card number and OTP

• Fill in the required information

• Upload necessary documents

• Submit your application

• Can pregnant women benefit from an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Yes, pregnant women can avail of medical expense coverage, including prenatal and delivery care.

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

You can update data through the Ayushman Bharat helpline number 1800 111 565 or the Common Service Centre (CSC).

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Is Health Insurance A Part Of Your Tax Saving Plan? If Not, Think Again!

This Tax Season, Health Insurance Can Help You

Understanding No Cost Installments in Health Insurance

Health Insurance Claims Process – A Step-by-Step Guide

Health Insurance with Free Annual Health Check-ups