Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the expanded health insurance scheme for all individuals aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) master plan. The Union Cabinet had recently approved this scheme, which benefits an estimated 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above, representing around 4.5 crore families in India. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above are entitled to benefits under AB PM-JAY, regardless of their socioeconomic status. A new special card – Ayushman Vaya Vandana card – is being issued to all eligible senior citizens under the EU PM-JAY programme.

Ayushman Vaya Vandana card

From October 29, Ayushman Vaya Vandana card holders will be able to avail free treatment worth Rs 5 lakh at any of the AB PMJAY established hospitals under the expanded scheme. AB PM-JAY benefits are now open to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their financial status. Under the expanded Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance scheme, elderly individuals will be issued Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Having this card can help reduce family expenses and ease worries.

“From now on, every senior citizen over the age of 70 will receive free treatment in hospitals. These senior citizens will be given Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This program is expected to be a turning point. If an elderly person in the household has Ayushman Vaya, family expenses will be reduced and their worries will also be reduced, thanks to the Vandana Card ” he said.

The PIB message further stated: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that every elderly person in the country above 70 years of age will get free treatment in hospital with Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Shri Modi emphasized that the card is universal and there are no restrictions. Be it poor or middle class.” Declaring that this scheme will be a turning point in terms of its universal applicability, be it upper class, Shri Modi stated that Out of Pocket Expenditure will be reduced to a great extent for senior citizens at home through Ayushman Vaya Vandana card.

Main Features

Health Insurance: Eligible senior citizens are entitled to health insurance of Rs 5 lakh per annum for treatments in established hospitals across the country.

Universal Access: The card can be accessed by all citizens over the age of 70, regardless of income level.

Family Allowance: If more than one elderly individual lives in the same household, the Rs 5 lakh coverage can be divided among them.

Registration Process: Beneficiaries, even if they already have an Ayushman card, are required to register through the PM-JAY portal and complete an eKYC process to activate their card.

How to apply

To access health insurance, individuals must register on the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman app. Existing Ayushman card holders also need to re-apply through the portal or app and complete their eKYC for a new card.