Does The Abha Card Cover ₹5 Lakh In Treatment Costs? All You Need To Know
The Government of India offers citizens access to free medical treatment through various initiatives. One such program is the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana, introduced in 2018. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. Those who qualify are issued an Ayushman card , which allows them to access cashless treatment in listed government and private hospitals.
In addition to the Ayushman card, the government has now introduced the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, commonly referred to as the Abha card . This new digital health card has raised questions about whether it also provides the same insurance coverage as the Ayushman card. Let’s explore the purpose and benefits of the Abha card.
Does the Abha Card Offer ₹5 Lakh of Free Treatment?
The Abha card is a significant initiative aimed at advancing India’s digital health infrastructure. Unlike the Ayushman card, the Abha card does not cover medical expenses or provide free treatment. Its primary function is to serve as a digital health account, consolidating an individual’s medical history in one place. Only the Ayushman card offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for those who meet specific eligibility criteria under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. In contrast, the Abha card is available to any Indian citizen, without specific eligibility requirements.
Key Benefits of the Abha Card
The Abha card, or Ayushman Bharat Health Account Card, functions as a digital health record. It stores essential health data, including:
- Medical history and past treatments
- Diagnoses and conditions
- Known allergies
- Blood group information
- Current medications
This information is encrypted and securely stored, acting as a personal medical file accessible digitally. When visiting a doctor or hospital, a healthcare provider can quickly access the patient’s medical history through the Abha card. Each card is issued a unique 14-digit number, much like the Aadhaar card, allowing healthcare providers to retrieve a patient’s digital health profile seamlessly.
With the Abha card, users can manage and share their health information securely from anywhere, streamlining the healthcare process and enhancing patient care.