The government has recently expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income group. This initiative aims to provide free health insurance coverage up to Rs.5 lakh for senior citizens, ensuring financial security for medical treatments. A new card called the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is being issued to eligible beneficiaries under this scheme.
Here’s a detailed guide to understanding the benefits, eligibility, and application process for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
What is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a health card issued under the AB PM-JAY scheme specifically for citizens aged 70 years and above. It guarantees free medical treatment in empaneled hospitals up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Key Features:
- No Income Restriction: Applicable to everyone aged 70+—poor, middle-class, or affluent.
- Free Treatment: Covers hospital bills in empaneled private and government hospitals.
- Immediate Coverage: Beneficiaries can start availing of benefits from the day of enrollment without any waiting period.
- Family-Based Coverage: The ₹5 lakh insurance limit is shared among family members aged 70 and above.
Eligibility for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
The eligibility criteria are simple:
- Age: The person must be 70 years or older.
- Aadhaar: A valid Aadhaar card is mandatory for age verification and e-KYC.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Senior Citizen Scheme
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Free treatment for major and minor illnesses in empaneled hospitals.
- No Pre-Existing Conditions Clause: Seniors with existing medical issues can immediately benefit from the scheme.
- Hassle-Free Enrollment: Requires minimal documentation—just Aadhaar-based verification.
- Wide Network of Hospitals: Includes thousands of empaneled private and government hospitals across the country.
- Digital Management: Beneficiaries can apply and manage their Ayushman Card through the Ayushman Bharat portal or app.
How to Apply for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
Eligible citizens can easily apply for the card through two methods:
1. Online Application
- Visit the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY portal: www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Register with your Aadhaar details for e-KYC verification.
- Fill in the required details and upload a passport-sized photograph.
- Submit the form to generate your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
2. Using the Ayushman Bharat App
- Download the Ayushman Bharat app from the Google Play Store.
- Complete the registration process with Aadhaar for e-KYC.
- Follow the prompts to generate the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
Documents Required for Enrollment
Senior citizens need minimal documentation:
- Aadhaar Card: For age verification and e-KYC.
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized photo (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory to get the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
Yes, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is necessary during enrollment to verify the age and identity of the applicant.
Q. Can I apply for my parents’ Ayushman card online?
Yes, children can help their parents apply through the Ayushman Bharat portal or app.
Q. Do senior citizens need separate cards for each individual?
Yes, a unique Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is issued for each eligible person aged 70 or above.
Q. Can seniors start using the benefits immediately after enrollment?
Yes, there is no waiting period, and benefits start on the day of enrollment.
Q. What happens if my parents opt for AB PM-JAY and leave an existing government health scheme?
Once enrolled in AB PM-JAY, seniors cannot return to their previous government health scheme. The decision is final.
How the Scheme Has Benefited Seniors So Far
Since its launch in late October 2024, over 12.48 lakh Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards have been issued nationwide. The highest numbers have been recorded in:
- Madhya Pradesh: 4,26,314 cards issued.
- Kerala: 3,09,531 cards issued.
- Uttar Pradesh: 1,81,698 cards issued.
These numbers reflect the growing awareness and adoption of the scheme among senior citizens.
Additional Tips for Applicants
- Keep Aadhaar Updated: Ensure your Aadhaar card reflects your correct age and details before applying.
- Apply Early: Don’t wait for a medical emergency to apply for the card. The earlier you enroll, the sooner you can access benefits.
- Verify Empaneled Hospitals: Check the list of hospitals under the AB PM-JAY scheme in your area.
- Contact Support: For any issues, reach out to the official helpline or visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC).
With its extensive benefits and simple enrollment process, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a significant step toward ensuring healthcare access for India’s senior citizens.
