The Ayushman Card, also known as the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card, is a crucial element of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). This health insurance initiative by the Government of India aims to provide financial security for healthcare needs, especially to the economically vulnerable sections of society. Senior citizens, who often require regular medical attention and treatment, can benefit greatly from this scheme. The card offers cashless access to health services up to Rs 5 lakh annually at empaneled public and private hospitals. Understanding how to download the Ayushman Card is essential, especially for older adults and their caretakers, to ensure timely access to medical facilities.
Why the Ayushman Card Matters for Senior Citizens
With advancing age, the frequency and cost of medical care generally increase. Many elderly individuals, particularly those without pensions or sufficient savings, struggle to afford quality healthcare. The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a major support system in such cases. It not only covers hospitalization and treatment but also ensures that elderly citizens are not burdened with out-of-pocket medical expenses. Having the Ayushman Card means that eligible senior citizens can walk into an empaneled hospital and get treated without having to pay upfront, thanks to the government’s cashless system.
Getting Started with the Ayushman Card Application
To be eligible for an Ayushman Card, senior citizens must be part of the beneficiary list prepared on the basis of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. If they are already listed under this database, applying for the card becomes simple. The process can be initiated online by family members or caretakers, provided the beneficiary’s Aadhaar number and registered mobile number are available.
Before downloading, one must first ensure that the senior citizen is enrolled in the PMJAY database. This verification can be done through the official portal. Once the enrollment is confirmed, the card can be downloaded by following a few straightforward steps online.
Step-by-Step Ayushman Card Download Using PMJAY Website
To download the Ayushman Bharat card through the official beneficiary portal, visit https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in. Begin by selecting the "Beneficiary" option on the homepage. The user will be prompted to enter a valid mobile number and a captcha code. After entering this information, an OTP (one-time password) will be sent to the provided mobile number for verification.
Once the OTP is verified, select the scheme under which the senior citizen is registered—in this case, PMJAY. Choose the correct state and district from the drop-down menus. Next, use either the Family ID, Aadhaar number, or PMJAY ID to proceed with identity verification. After successful verification, the system will display the beneficiary's status. If the status is approved, another OTP will be generated for final verification, after which the Ayushman Card can be downloaded in PDF format. It is advisable to print a copy and keep it with the senior citizen for medical visits.
Alternate Method Using the BIS Portal
Another way to download the Ayushman Card is through the BIS (Beneficiary Identification System) portal available at https://bis.pmjay.gov.in. On this site, select the "Download Ayushman Card" option from the dashboard. The process begins by entering the registered mobile number, which must match the one linked to the PMJAY database. After solving the security captcha, validate the information and proceed to identity verification.
During the verification step, select the appropriate scheme name, state, and enter the Aadhaar number of the senior citizen. After successful verification, the system will allow the user to download the Ayushman Card. This card is equally valid and can be used at any hospital empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Accessing the Ayushman Card via DigiLocker
Senior citizens and their families can also make use of DigiLocker, a government-backed digital document storage platform. To use this method, log in to the DigiLocker platform either on a browser or mobile app. If the user does not have an account, registration can be completed using a mobile number and Aadhaar details.
After logging in, go to the “Search Document” section and look for “Ayushman Bharat.” Select the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) option from the list. The system will then prompt you to enter the PMJAY ID and the state where the registration was done. Once this information is submitted and verified, the Ayushman Card will appear and can be saved as a PDF or accessed anytime through the DigiLocker account.
Assistance for Senior Citizens
For elderly individuals who may not be familiar with online platforms or smartphones, assistance from younger family members, neighbors, or local healthcare volunteers is often essential. Additionally, Ayushman Mitras—trained representatives stationed at hospitals—are available to help with card verification and downloads. They can also offer guidance on how to use the card for medical treatment.
In some cases, Common Service Centres (CSCs) located in villages and towns across India also provide support for Ayushman Card download. These centers are equipped with internet facilities and trained staff to assist senior citizens with government schemes and document services.