Ayushman Card vs ABHA Health ID Card: Key Differences and Benefits

With the rising importance of healthcare in India , the government has introduced two significant health initiatives: the Ayushman Bharat Card and the ABHA Health ID Card . Despite their similar-sounding names, these cards serve different purposes, often leading to confusion. Here's a clear breakdown of the distinctions between the two and the benefits they offer.

# Ayushman Bharat Card: Financial Security for Healthcare

Launched in 2018 under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Ayushman Bharat Card aims to provide affordable healthcare to economically weaker sections of society. It offers financial protection for medical expenses, ensuring that beneficiaries can access necessary healthcare services without worrying about costs.

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• Cashless Treatment: Available in both public and private hospitals across India.
• Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Beneficiaries can receive treatment for pre-existing diseases.
• Pre- and Post-hospitalization: Covers expenses for three days before and 15 days after hospitalization.

# ABHA Health ID Card: A Digital Health Record

Introduced in 2021, the ABHA Health ID Card is part of the government's push towards digitization in healthcare. It does not cover healthcare expenses but rather stores an individual’s complete medical history in digital format. This unique digital ID helps maintain a health record for every citizen, allowing easier access to medical data across the country.

Key Benefits:

• Digital Health Record: Stores comprehensive medical history, enabling efficient and evidence-based healthcare.
• Accessible to All: Available to all citizens, regardless of economic status.
• Real-time Data Sharing: Healthcare providers can access real-time health data to improve treatment outcomes.
• Telemedicine Integration: The card will soon be integrated with telemedicine services, enhancing remote healthcare access.

# Key Differences Between Ayushman Card and ABHA Health ID Card

1. Purpose:

• The Ayushman Bharat Card is primarily a health insurance card providing financial coverage for hospitalization.
• The ABHA Health ID Card is a digital health account that stores medical records and does not offer any financial support for medical expenses.

2. Coverage:

• The Ayushman Card covers hospitalization expenses up to ₹5 lakh per year, including pre-existing conditions.

The ABHA Card does not provide any cost coverage but focuses on maintaining a digital record of an individual's health history.

3. Eligibility:

• The Ayushman Bharat Card is specifically for economically weaker sections (EWS).
• The ABHA Card is available to all citizens, irrespective of their financial background.

4. Functionality:

• The Ayushman Card provides financial aid for healthcare services.

The ABHA Card stores and manages medical data, enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system through digital records.

While both the Ayushman Bharat Card and the ABHA Health ID Card are significant in improving India’s healthcare landscape, their roles are distinct. The Ayushman Bharat Card provides crucial financial assistance, particularly for the economically weaker sections, while the ABHA Health ID Card digitizes health information, aiming to improve the overall efficiency of healthcare services. Understanding the differences between these cards can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.