Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: How Senior Citizens Aged 70+ Can Avail ₹5 Lakh Free Medical Cover

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for the elderly, the Government of India has introduced the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. This initiative, under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), offers senior citizens aged 70 and above free medical treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh annually. The card can be conveniently obtained through the Ayushman App, streamlining the enrollment process for beneficiaries

Launched on September 23, 2018, the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a national public health insurance scheme implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA). It provides cashless treatment in secondary and tertiary care hospitals, both public and empaneled private institutions, across India. The scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare expenses for the underprivileged and now extends its benefits to senior citizens irrespective of their income status

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is available to all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above. Notably, there are no income restrictions, making the scheme inclusive for senior citizens across all economic backgrounds. This universal approach ensures that the elderly population can access quality healthcare without financial constraints.

Senior citizens enrolled under this scheme are entitled to:

• Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per annum

• Cashless hospitalization at empaneled public and private hospitals

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions

• Access to a wide range of medical services, including surgeries, diagnostics, and follow-up care

This comprehensive coverage aims to provide financial security and peace of mind to the elderly, ensuring they receive timely and adequate medical attention.

To obtain the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, eligible senior citizens can follow these steps:

1. Download the Ayushman App: Available on both Android and iOS platforms.

2. Login as Beneficiary: Open the app and select the 'Login as Beneficiary' option.

3. Enter Details: Input your mobile number and complete the CAPTCHA verification.

4. Authenticate: Choose the preferred mode of authentication and proceed.

5. Access the Card: Upon successful verification, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card will be generated and accessible within the app.

This digital approach simplifies the enrollment process, making it user-friendly for senior citizens and their caregivers.

The introduction of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card marks a pivotal step in India's commitment to providing equitable healthcare. By extending substantial medical coverage to senior citizens without income barriers, the government ensures that the elderly can lead healthier, more secure lives. The seamless integration with the Ayushman App further enhances accessibility, reflecting a progressive shift towards digital healthcare solutions.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)