Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: Rs 5 lakh free health cover for everyone aged 70 and above

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the Centre's flagship health assurance scheme. In September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved its expansion to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income. Eligible seniors get an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

Benefits

• Free hospital treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis at empanelled public and private hospitals.
• Cashless and paperless treatment at the hospital.
• If the senior citizen's family is already covered under PM-JAY, the senior gets an additional top-up of up to Rs 5 lakh a year for themselves, which they do not share with younger family members.
• The government estimated that about 4.5 crore families with 6 crore senior citizens would benefit.

Who is eligible

• Any Indian resident aged 70 years or above, as per Aadhaar.
• There is no income limit.
• Seniors with private health insurance or under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme can also take PM-JAY benefits.
• Those covered by CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF can choose either their existing scheme or PM-JAY.

How to apply

• Use the official Ayushman App or the beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
• Log in with a mobile number and OTP, then enter the Aadhaar details of the senior citizen.
• Complete Aadhaar e-KYC and submit a recent photograph.
• Once approved, download the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
• Help is also available at empanelled hospitals and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Using the card

At an empanelled hospital, approach the Ayushman Mitra help desk with the card and Aadhaar. You can find empanelled hospitals through the official PM-JAY website. For help, the National Health Authority runs the toll-free helpline 14555.

Do not pay agents for enrolment; the card is free. Always confirm details on the official website before applying.