Why Add a Family Member to Your Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh for the entire family unit. However, life events like the birth of a child or a marriage mean your family grows. To ensure these new members are also protected under the scheme, it is crucial to add their names to your family's Ayushman Card. If a member's name is not on the card, they will not be able to avail the cashless treatment benefits.
The government has created a simple and straightforward process for this. You can add members both online through the official portal and offline by visiting a designated center. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for both methods. Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary information by reading our guide on documents required for an Ayushman card.
Who Can Be Added as a New Member?
You can typically add new members who have joined the family after the original beneficiary list was created. The most common scenarios are:
- Newborn Child: Any child born into an eligible family can be added.
- New Spouse: A newly married woman can be added to her husband's family's card.
Adding other members like parents or siblings is usually not possible unless they were part of the original family unit in the source database (e.g., SECC 2011 or Ration Card data).
Method 1: Add Member Online via the Beneficiary Portal
The online method is the most convenient way to add a member if you have the required documents and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Step 1: Login to the Portal
Visit the official PMJAY beneficiary portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in. Log in as a 'Beneficiary' using your mobile number and OTP, as explained in our guide to checking your name.
- Step 2: Search and Find Your Family
After logging in, search for your family details using your state, district, and Aadhaar/Ration Card number.
- Step 3: Find the 'Add Family Member' Option
Once your family details are displayed, you will see an option or button labelled **'Add Family Member'**. Click on it to start the process.
- Step 4: Authenticate the Head of Family
The portal will first ask to authenticate a senior member of the family (usually the Head of Household). This is done via Aadhaar OTP or other biometric methods to authorize the addition of a new member.
- Step 5: Fill the New Member's Details
A form will appear where you need to enter the details of the new member you want to add. This includes their name, relation to the head of the family, date of birth, mobile number, and Aadhaar number.
- Step 6: Upload Proof Document and Complete e-KYC
You will be asked to upload a scanned copy of a document to prove the relationship. For a newborn, this would be the **Birth Certificate**. For a spouse, it would be the **Marriage Certificate**. After uploading, you will need to complete the e-KYC for the new member using their Aadhaar OTP.
- Step 7: Submit and Note the Reference ID
After completing the e-KYC, submit the application. You will be given a Reference ID. Keep this ID safe to track the status of your request. The request will be sent to the concerned state authorities for approval.
Method 2: Add Member Offline at a CSC or Hospital
If you find the online process difficult or lack the necessary documents in a digital format, you can easily get this done offline.
- Step 1: Visit a Kiosk with Documents
Go to the nearest empanelled hospital or a Common Service Centre (CSC) with all the required documents: the family's Ayushman Card, the Aadhaar cards of the Head of Family and the new member, and the proof of relationship (Birth/Marriage Certificate).
- Step 2: Request the Operator
Inform the Ayushman Mitra or the CSC operator that you want to add a new member to your family's Ayushman Card.
- Step 3: Provide Details and Documents
The operator will log into their official portal and fill in the details on your behalf. They will scan and upload your documents.
- Step 4: Complete Biometric Verification
The operator will use a biometric device to capture the fingerprints of the Head of Family (for authorization) and the new member (for e-KYC). This completes the application process. The operator will give you a receipt with a reference number to track the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How can I check the status of my 'Add Member' request?
You can track the status using the Reference ID you received during submission. This can be done on the beneficiary portal or by inquiring at the same CSC/hospital where you applied.
Q. The newborn baby does not have an Aadhaar card. Can they still be added?
Yes, there are provisions to add a newborn's name using only their Birth Certificate, linked to the mother's Ayushman ID. However, it is advisable to get the child's Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) made and linked as soon as possible.
Q. How long does the approval take?
The approval time can vary from state to state, as it depends on the verification process by the State Health Agency. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 days. Once approved, the new member's name will appear in your family details, and you can download their Ayushman Card.