BIS PMJAY Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide to Healthcare Access for All

Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Kanakkupillai

In a nation as vast and diverse as India, access to quality healthcare has always been a challenge. Millions of people across the country struggle to afford medical treatment, leading to dire consequences for their health and well-being. Recognizing this issue, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in 2018, also known as Ayushman Bharat, to provide financial protection and healthcare access to vulnerable families. To achieve this, the Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) plays a pivotal role in identifying and enrolling eligible beneficiaries into the PMJAY scheme. This comprehensive article will delve into the details of BIS PMJAY registration, explaining its significance and providing a step-by-step guide to help eligible individuals and families access this transformative healthcare program.

Understanding Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

PMJAY, often called the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, is a flagship health insurance program launched by the Government of India in September 2018. The primary objective of PMJAY is to provide financial protection and healthcare coverage to economically vulnerable families. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment for various medical conditions at empanelled hospitals across India.

The key features of PMJAY include:

1. Coverage for Hospitalization Costs: PMJAY covers expenses related to hospitalization, including medical and surgical procedures, room charges, and medicines.
2. Extensive Network: The scheme has a vast network of empanelled hospitals, ensuring beneficiaries have access to quality healthcare services.
3. No Cap on Family Size: PMJAY covers all family members within the defined socio-economic category without any cap on family size.
4. Cashless Transactions: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment, eliminating the need for upfront payments during hospitalization.
5. Portability: PMJAY benefits can be availed nationwide, making it convenient for beneficiaries needing medical attention while travelling.
6. Paperless and IT-Driven: The scheme relies on digital records and biometrics for authentication, ensuring transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

The Significance of Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) in PMJAY

The success of PMJAY hinges on the efficient identification and enrollment of eligible beneficiaries. This is where the Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) plays a pivotal role. BIS is a digital platform designed to authenticate beneficiaries and facilitate their enrollment in the PMJAY scheme. It ensures that only eligible individuals and families receive the benefits, thus preventing program misuse.

Key roles of BIS in PMJAY:

1. Verification of Eligibility: BIS verifies families’ eligibility based on specific criteria such as income, social category, and deprivation criteria.
2. Generation of Beneficiary ID: BIS generates a unique Beneficiary ID for each eligible family upon successful verification. This ID is essential for accessing PMJAY benefits.
3. Secure Data Storage: BIS stores beneficiary data securely, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of personal information.
4. Prevention of Duplicate Entries: BIS employs advanced algorithms to prevent duplicate entries, ensuring that only genuine beneficiaries are enrolled.
5. Real-time Updates: BIS facilitates real-time updates and modifications to beneficiary records, ensuring accurate information at all times.

Primary Objectives and Motives of PMJAY:

1. Universal Health Coverage: BIS PMJAY aims to achieve the goal of universal health coverage by extending healthcare benefits to a large segment of India’s population. It seeks to ensure that no one is left behind when accessing essential medical care.
2. Financial Protection: One of the central motives of PMJAY is to shield families from the financial burden of healthcare expenses. Many families in India face significant financial hardships when they need medical treatment. PMJAY provides a safety net by covering the costs of hospitalization and treatments, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Equity and Inclusivity: PMJAY is designed to be an inclusive program, reaching out to economically disadvantaged families irrespective of their socio-economic background. It promotes equity in healthcare access by offering the same benefits to all eligible beneficiaries.
4. Prevention of Catastrophic Health Expenditure: PMJAY aims to prevent catastrophic health expenditure, which occurs when a significant portion of a family’s income is spent on healthcare. This motive ensures that healthcare services are not a financial burden, especially for low-income households.
5. Reduction of Health Disparities: PMJAY seeks to address health disparities by providing healthcare services to those most need them. Targeting vulnerable and marginalized communities helps bridge the gap in health outcomes between different sections of society.
6. Promotion of Timely Medical Treatment: Due to financial constraints, the program encourages beneficiaries to seek timely medical attention without hesitation. This motive improves health outcomes, as early intervention and treatment are more effective.
7. Enhanced Healthcare Infrastructure: BIS PMJAY indirectly motivates the growth and development of healthcare infrastructure in India. As more hospitals and healthcare providers seek empanelment under the scheme, it expands healthcare facilities, benefitting the entire population.
8. Reduction of Health Inequities: PMJAY is pivotal in reducing health inequities by making healthcare services accessible to families in remote and underserved areas. This motive aligns with the broader goal of achieving health equity for all citizens.
9. Prevention of Medical Debt: High healthcare expenses can often push families into a cycle of debt. PMJAY’s motive is to prevent individuals and families from accumulating medical debt, ensuring they can maintain financial stability.
10. Improvement in Health Outcomes: Ultimately, BIS PMJAY aims to improve the overall health outcomes of the population by providing access to necessary medical care. Healthier individuals and communities contribute to the nation’s well-being and productivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to BIS PMJAY Registration

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before proceeding with BIS PMJAY registration, it’s crucial to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for PMJAY are as follows:

• Families falling under the defined socio-economic categories (SECC) or as per specific state government guidelines.
• Families without access to healthcare coverage or financial resources to afford medical treatment.
• Families without a house with a proper roof and access to basic sanitation.
• Families without an adult member aged 16-59.
• Families are categorized as per state-specific deprivation criteria.

You can apply for PMJAY through the BIS platform if you meet these criteria.

Step 2: Visit the Nearest Common Service Center (CSC)

The next step is to visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) in your locality. CSCs are government-approved centres that assist individuals with various government services, including PMJAY registration. You can locate your nearest CSC by visiting the official PMJAY website or asking local authorities.

Step 3: Provide Required Documents

At the CSC, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Aadhar card or Aadhar enrollment number for all family members.
• Proof of identity and residence.
• Caste certificate (if applicable).
• Income certificate or BPL card.
• Family details, including the head of the household.

Ensure you carry original documents and photocopies to complete the registration process smoothly.

Step 4: Registration and Data Entry

The CSC operator will guide you through the registration process. They will enter your details into the BIS portal, including demographic information, family details, and socio-economic category. Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Step 5: Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication is a crucial step in the BIS PMJAY registration process. All family members may need to undergo fingerprint and iris scans for authentication purposes. This ensures that only eligible beneficiaries are enrolled and prevents fraudulent entries.

Step 6: Receive Beneficiary ID

Once your information is verified and authenticated, the BIS portal will generate a unique Beneficiary ID for your family. This ID is essential for availing PMJAY benefits and should be kept secure.

Step 7: Acknowledgment Receipt

After successful registration, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt confirming your enrollment in PMJAY. This receipt contains important details such as your Beneficiary ID and the nearby empanelled hospitals.

Step 8: Avail Healthcare Services

With your Beneficiary ID, you can access cashless healthcare services at any empanelled hospital under the PMJAY scheme. Simply present your Beneficiary ID at the hospital reception, and your medical expenses will be covered under the scheme.

Step 9: Regular Updates

It’s essential to keep your beneficiary details updated, especially in case your family composition, income, or residence changes. Visit the CSC or use online portals for any necessary updates to ensure uninterrupted access to PMJAY benefits.

OnlineRegistration Procedure for BIS PMJAY

Step 1: Visit the Official PMJAY Website

To begin the online registration process for BIS PMJAY, you need to visit the official website of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. You can do this by typing “https://pmjay.gov.in” in the address bar of your web browser.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Before proceeding with the registration, it’s essential to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for PMJAY. Eligibility criteria typically include factors such as income, social category, and deprivation criteria. Make sure you qualify based on the criteria set by the government.

Step 3: Find the “Am I Eligible?” Section

On the PMJAY website, you will find a section titled “Am I Eligible?” or something similar. Click on this section to access the eligibility-checking tool.

Step 4: Enter Your Details

In the eligibility-checking tool, you will be prompted to enter specific details about yourself and your family members. This information may include:

• Name of the head of the household
• Gender
• Age
• State
• District
• Village/Town
• Social category (e.g., SC/ST/OBC)
• Household type (e.g., rural/urban)
• Type of residence (e.g., kutcha/pucca house)

Provide accurate information as requested. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and details on hand.

Step 5: Verify Eligibility

Once you have entered all the required details, the system will verify your eligibility based on the information provided. It will determine whether your family qualifies for PMJAY benefits.

Step 6: Receive Eligibility Results

After the system has processed your information, you will receive the results of your eligibility check. This will indicate whether you are eligible for PMJAY or not. If you are eligible, you will be directed to proceed with the registration process. If not, you will be informed accordingly.

Step 7: Click on “Apply for e-card” or “Register”

If you are found eligible, you will be directed to apply for an e-card or register for PMJAY. Click on the relevant option to proceed.

Step 8: Fill in the Application Form

You will be presented with an online application form. You need to fill in this form with accurate details about yourself and your family members. This form typically includes fields for:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Aadhar card number
• Mobile number
• Address
• Social category
• Income details
• Family composition

Make sure to double-check all the information you provide to ensure accuracy.

Step 9: Upload Supporting Documents

During the online registration process, you will be required to upload scanned copies of supporting documents, which may include:

• Aadhar card
• Identity proof
• Residence proof
• Income certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs

Ensure that you have these documents scanned and ready for upload.

Step 10: Submit the Application

After filling in the application form and uploading the necessary documents, review all the information you’ve provided for accuracy. Once satisfied, click the “Submit” or “Register” button to complete the online registration process.

Step 11: Receive Confirmation

Upon successful registration, you will receive a confirmation message or email indicating that your application has been received. The system will process your application, and if everything is in order, you will be issued a Beneficiary Identification (ID) card.

Step 12: Use the Beneficiary ID

With your Beneficiary ID, you can now avail yourself of the benefits of PMJAY at empanelled hospitals across India. Present your Beneficiary ID at the hospital reception during hospitalization to access cashless healthcare services.

How to Apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card Online in 2023?

To apply for an Ayushman Bharat card in 2023, consider the following general steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official website of Ayushman Bharat or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). You can access the website by typing “https://pmjay.gov.in” in your web browser.
2. Check for Online Application: Look for any new updates or announcements regarding online application processes on the official website’s homepage or announcements section. Governments sometimes introduce online application options for the convenience of beneficiaries.
3. Eligibility Check: Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for Ayushman Bharat. Typically, eligibility is based on income, social category, and deprivation criteria. Use the online tools available on the website to check your eligibility.
4. Online Registration: If an online application is available, follow the instructions to register online. You may need to provide details such as your Aadhar card number, mobile number, and other personal information. Ensure that you have all the required documents and information on hand.
5. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate details about yourself and your family members, including their Aadhar numbers, income details, and demographic information.
6. Upload Documents: Scan and upload the necessary supporting documents, typically Aadhar cards, identity proof, residence proof, income certificates, and passport-sized photographs.
7. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered for accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit the online application.
8. Receive Acknowledgment: You may receive an acknowledgement receipt or reference number after applying. Keep this safe for future reference.
9. Verification: The authorities will verify the submitted information to confirm your eligibility.
10. Receive Ayushman Bharat Card: If your application is approved, you will receive your Ayushman Bharat card, often called the PMJAY card. This card contains your Beneficiary ID and other essential details.
11. Utilize the Card: The Ayushman Bharat card can access cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals under the PMJAY scheme.

How to Download Your Ayushman Card Online?

To download your Ayushman card online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official PMJAY website (https://pmjay.gov.in).
2. Click the “Am I Eligible?” or “Check Your Name” option.
3. Enter the required details, such as your Aadhar card number, mobile number, and captcha code.
4. Click on the “Generate OTP” button.
5. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the provided field.
6. After OTP verification, the system will display your eligibility status. If you are eligible, you will have the option to download your Ayushman card.
7. Click the “Download e-card” or “Download Ayushman Card” option.
8. The Ayushman card, containing your Beneficiary ID and other details, will be downloaded in a PDF format.
9. Open the PDF file and save it to your device, or take a printout for physical access.

This Ayushman card will be your identification when availing of cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme. Make sure to keep it safe and readily accessible when needed for medical treatment.

Advantages of BIS PMJAY:

1. Improved Healthcare Access: BIS PMJAY, through its rigorous identification process, extends access to quality healthcare services to economically vulnerable families who may have otherwise been unable to afford medical treatment.
2. Financial Protection: One of the most significant advantages of PMJAY is that it provides financial protection to beneficiaries. It covers hospitalisation costs, surgeries, and treatments, reducing the financial burden on families during medical emergencies.
3. Cashless Transactions: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless healthcare services, eliminating the need for upfront payments at empanelled hospitals. This ensures that individuals can access medical treatment without worrying about immediate financial constraints.
4. Wide Network of Empaneled Hospitals: PMJAY has a vast network of empanelled hospitals nationwide, ensuring that beneficiaries can access quality healthcare services, even in remote areas.
5. No Cap on Family Size: PMJAY covers all family members within the defined socio-economic category without any cap on family size. This ensures that larger families are not disadvantaged.
6. Portability: PMJAY benefits are portable, meaning beneficiaries can access healthcare services across India. This is especially valuable for individuals who may need medical attention while travelling.
7. Transparency and Efficiency: BIS PMJAY relies on digital records and biometrics for authentication, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services. This reduces the chances of fraud and ensures that resources are directed toward those who genuinely need them.
8. Healthcare Infrastructure Development: PMJAY has encouraged the growth and development of healthcare infrastructure in India as more hospitals seek empanelment to participate in the program. This, in turn, benefits the broader population by improving healthcare facilities.
9. Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: By covering the costs of hospitalization and medical treatments, PMJAY reduces the out-of-pocket expenditure for beneficiaries, alleviating the financial strain on families.
10. Improved Health Outcomes: The availability of healthcare services through PMJAY leads to improved health outcomes, as individuals are more likely to seek timely medical attention and follow through with prescribed treatments.

Conclusion

The Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) plays a crucial role in the success of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), a landmark healthcare initiative by the Government of India. Through BIS PMJAY registration, eligible individuals and families can access quality healthcare services, ensuring financial protection during medical needs.

This step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive overview of the registration process, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and biometric authentication to prevent misuse and ensure that only deserving beneficiaries benefit from the scheme. By following these steps, eligible individuals can secure their healthcare