Introduction to Atal Amrit Abhiyan (AAA)

The **Atal Amrit Abhiyan (AAA)** is a pioneering health assurance scheme launched by the Government of Assam to provide comprehensive financial protection against high-cost critical illnesses. Launched on December 25, 2016, the scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden on economically vulnerable families in Assam when faced with catastrophic health expenditures.

It works on a cashless basis at empanelled hospitals, ensuring that beneficiaries receive timely and quality treatment without worrying about immediate payments. The scheme complements national health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), addressing specific healthcare needs within the state.

Objectives and Benefits of Atal Amrit Abhiyan

Core Objectives:

• To provide cashless treatment for critical illnesses to eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families.
• To reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure incurred by families on critical medical treatments.
• To ensure access to quality healthcare services for the vulnerable sections of society.

Key Benefits:

• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries receive cashless inpatient treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals (both within and outside Assam).
• Coverage Amount: Up to ₹2 Lakhs per individual member per year for approved procedures.
• Disease Coverage: The scheme covers high-cost treatments for 438 procedures across six major disease categories:
  1. Cardiovascular Diseases
  2. Cancer
  3. Kidney Diseases
  4. Neurological Conditions
  5. Neonatal Diseases
  6. Burns
• Pre-existing Diseases: Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one of active coverage.
• Travel Expenses: In some cases, the scheme may also cover travel expenses within daily allowance limits.
• Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card: Eligible adult members receive a laminated ID card with a unique identification number for cashless treatment. Minor children are enrolled under the head of the family's card.

Eligibility Criteria for Atal Amrit Abhiyan

To avail the benefits of the Atal Amrit Abhiyan, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident (citizen) of Assam.
• Family Income:
  • BPL Families: Annual family income of less than ₹1.2 Lakhs. These families receive free coverage.
  • APL Families: Annual family income between ₹1.2 Lakhs and ₹5 Lakhs. These families pay a nominal premium of ₹100 per individual per year to avail the scheme.
• Ration Card: Must possess a Ration Card issued by the Government of Assam under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Exclusions: Employees (both active and retired) of Central and State Governments are generally *not eligible* for this scheme.

Application Process for Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card

The application process for the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card is primarily offline, through designated enrolment centers:

1. Obtain Application Form:
   • Download the application format from the official National Health Mission (NHM) Assam website (check the "Schemes" section for "Atal Amrit Abhiyan").
   • Alternatively, obtain the application form from any designated Atal Amrit Abhiyan enrolment center in your district.
2. Fill the Form: Accurately fill in all required details, including personal information, family details, income, and disease details (if applicable).
3. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents (listed below).
4. Submit Application: Submit the duly filled application form along with all required documents to the office of the Joint Director of Health Services in your district or at a designated enrolment center. You may also be able to send it via post.
5. Verification & Biometrics: Officials will verify your documents. For APL families, a nominal fee of ₹100 per member will be collected. Your fingerprints may be scanned.
6. Receive Card: Upon successful verification and completion of the process, you will be issued the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card.

Required Documents:

• Voter ID Card / EPIC Card (for identity verification).
• Birth Certificate (for applicants below 18 years of age).
• Income Certificate issued by the Circle Officer or competent authority (attested copy).
• NFSA Card (Ration Card issued by the Government of Assam under National Food Security Act).
• Recent Passport-sized Photograph of the patient (attested by a doctor).
• Other valid supporting documents as per scheme requirements.

Always keep photocopies of all submitted documents for your records. The processing time for the card may vary.

Empanelled Hospitals and Claim Process

The Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme has a wide network of empanelled hospitals, including government and private facilities, both within and outside Assam. This ensures that beneficiaries can access quality treatment even for specialized conditions.

• Finding Empanelled Hospitals: A list of empanelled hospitals is usually available on the official NHM Assam website or through the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society.
• Cashless Claim:
  • Present your Atal Amrit Abhiyan Card at the empanelled hospital's helpdesk.
  • The hospital will verify your eligibility and details with the Implementation Support Agency (ISA) (e.g., Medi Assist Insurance TPA Pvt Ltd.).
  • Once approved, treatment will proceed on a cashless basis up to the covered limit.
• Reimbursement (if applicable): In specific, rare circumstances where cashless treatment isn't possible, a reimbursement process might be available, but cashless is the primary mode. Consult the scheme guidelines or helpline for details.

Important Contacts and Resources

Atal Amrit Abhiyan Official Support:

• Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society:
  • This society, under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Assam, is responsible for the administration and implementation of the scheme.
• National Health Mission (NHM), Assam:
  • Official Website: nhm.assam.gov.in (Look for "Schemes" or "Atal Amrit Abhiyan" section)
• Atal Amrit Abhiyan Helpline:
  • Toll-Free Number: 1800-102-7480
  • This helpline is crucial for inquiries regarding eligibility, application status, empanelled hospitals, and any scheme-related issues.
• Joint Director of Health Services (JDHS) Office:
  • Your District JDHS office is the primary point of contact for application submission and assistance.
• Implementation Support Agency (ISA): Medi Assist Insurance TPA Pvt. Ltd. (handles cashless processing).

The Atal Amrit Abhiyan stands as a testament to the Assam Government's commitment to ensuring that no resident is denied access to critical medical care due to financial constraints.