Big Change in Ayushman Card Rules as E-KYC Is Dropped, Free Treatment at Risk

The Ayushman card status has become a matter of concern for millions of Indians recently due to a significant change in the rules governing the Ayushman Bharat health scheme. The central government’s flagship health insurance programme, formally known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), has always been a lifeline for economically disadvantaged families by offering up to ₹5 lakh in free hospital treatment every year. However, recent policy shifts regarding electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) requirements are creating confusion, potentially putting the free treatment benefit at risk for many beneficiaries. Let’s dive into what this change means, how it affects people’s Ayushman card status, and what steps you may need to take if you haven’t yet an Ayushman card.

What Is the Ayushman Card and Why Does It Matter?

The Ayushman Card is essentially your gateway to health security under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It is issued to eligible individuals and families identified through government databases to receive cashless treatment at listed public and private hospitals across India. With this card, beneficiaries can get financial protection for serious illnesses without worrying about hospital bills up to ₹5 lakh per year, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

People often check their Ayushman card status to ensure they are registered correctly in the system and can access the free treatment benefits when needed. The card’s validity is tied to eligibility criteria, which typically do not require annual renewal, provided the beneficiary continues to meet the scheme’s conditions.

The E-KYC Rule Change: What’s Happening?

Recently, the government altered one crucial procedural requirement related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The policy change concerns the electronic KYC (e-KYC) process tied to Aadhaar for Ayushman Card holders. Previously, e-KYC linked with Aadhaar was a requirement to complete registration, verify identity, and maintain a valid Ayushman card status. However, in the latest update, reports indicate that the Ministry has decided to modify or drop certain aspects of the Aadhaar-based e-KYC requirement for issuing new cards or for some categories of beneficiaries.

While at first glance dropping the mandatory e-KYC might seem like easing the process, it has a deeper impact. Government officials clarified that without completing e-KYC, new cards may not be generated, and in some cases, even existing cardholders may face challenges when trying to access free treatment services at empanelled hospitals. The change aims to curb fraud but has raised concerns among genuine beneficiaries who still haven’t completed e-KYC.

Why Was E-KYC Important?

E-KYC served as a digital verification tool that linked an individual’s Ayushman Card to their Aadhaar number. This process helped ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received the free treatment benefit and prevented misuse of the scheme. It allowed health facilities to authenticate the identity of patients quickly and reduce fraudulent claims.

With traditional e-KYC being challenged in the new rule structure, the method of verifying an Ayushman card holder’s identity might shift to alternative verification processes. While this could help streamline onboarding, anaemic public understanding of these new ways may affect people’s Ayushman card status unknowingly.

Effects on Free Treatment Eligibility

The most critical aspect impacted by this rule change is access to free treatment. Reports suggest that without correct verification — traditionally completed via e-KYC — some cardholders might find it difficult to receive cashless hospital treatment at government and private hospitals. In some instances, hospitals may deny treatment or ask for additional identity checks if verification is incomplete or outdated.

If you are yet to apply for an Ayushman card or have incomplete e-KYC, your Ayushman card status may show as “pending” or “verification incomplete” in official portals or apps, and you could miss out on life-saving treatments during emergencies. That’s why it’s vital to monitor your status and take corrective steps early.

How to Check and Update Your Ayushman Card Status

To ensure you don’t lose your entitlement to free treatment, here’s how you can check and update your Ayushman card status:

Official Portal Visit: Visit the official PM-JAY portal or the Ayushman Bharat mobile app. Enter your details such as mobile number, Aadhaar number, or ration card number to see your card’s current status.
Eligibility Check: If you haven’t yet applied for an Ayushman card, start by checking eligibility on the portal using your family ID or Aadhaar details.
Complete Verification: If your status shows “verification pending,” follow the instructions to complete authentication, which may include uploading documents, visiting a Common Service Centre (CSC), or completing biometric/EKYC steps if still required.
Local CSC Assistance: For many beneficiaries, especially in rural areas, a local CSC can help with both applying for a new card and updating any pending information.

Keeping your card details and verification up to date ensures you won’t be denied benefits when you need them most.

Common Mistakes That Can Affect Your Card

Several mistakes can negatively impact your Ayushman card status or access to benefits:

Incorrect or outdated personal details like name and photo on the card.
• Failing to complete the initial verification process at the time of Ayushman card apply.
• Errors in linking Aadhaar details or other documents.
• Ignoring alerts or notifications from the Ayushman Bharat portal about pending documents or verification requirements.

Addressing these issues promptly can safeguard your card’s validity and your family’s access to quality healthcare.

Government’s Aim: Balancing Access and Fraud Prevention

The government’s intention behind changing the e-KYC rule is to prevent fraudulent claims and misuse of Ayushman Bharat benefits. Fraudulent cards and misuse of benefits burden public funds and prevent genuine applicants from accessing their rightful share. The National Health Authority (NHA) has been using advanced technologies to identify suspicious registrations and remove them.

However, this also brings the responsibility of ensuring that well-meaning beneficiaries remain informed and confident about the process of maintaining their Ayushman card status and securing free treatment.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Updated

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has been a game-changer for India’s healthcare landscape, offering free hospital treatment to millions of vulnerable families. Your Ayushman card status is central to accessing these benefits, and changes to verification requirements such as e-KYC must not catch you off guard.

If you are considering how to apply for an Ayushman card or if you already have a card, ensure that all verification steps are completed accurately and promptly. Keep checking your status on official channels, correct any errors, and seek help from local CSCs if needed. Staying proactive will ensure that you and your loved ones continue to receive the healthcare support you deserve without disruption.