Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: ₹5L Health Cover for Senior Citizens above 70 years: steps to apply

As we grow older, healthcare becomes a critical part of living with confidence and ease. For India’s senior citizens aged 70 and above, the rising cost of medical care can feel overwhelming, especially on fixed incomes or limited savings. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, launched on October 29, 2024, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is here to change that. This groundbreaking scheme offers ₹5 lakh in free health coverage annually to all seniors above 70, regardless of their financial background. Whether you’re in a bustling metro or a quiet village, this card ensures you can access quality healthcare without dipping into your savings.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a lifeline for India’s elderly, highlight its key benefits, and guide you through 10 simple steps to apply. We’ll also address seven common questions at the end to clear up any confusion. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Ayushman Vay Vandana

India’s elderly population is expanding rapidly. By 2050, nearly 319 million people are projected to be over 60, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). With age often come health challenges—think diabetes, heart conditions, or surgeries like knee replacements. These can strain finances, especially for those without robust support. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card steps in to fill this gap, offering cashless treatment at over 29,870 empanelled hospitals, including 13,173 private facilities, as of October 31, 2024.

This isn’t just another policy—it’s a commitment to dignity. The scheme covers approximately 2,000 medical procedures, from diagnostics to complex surgeries, with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions. For families already under AB PM-JAY, seniors get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover exclusively for themselves. In Delhi, the stakes are even higher, with ₹10 lakh in coverage combining central and state funds. Since its launch, 25 lakh seniors have enrolled, and treatments worth over ₹40 crore have been provided, helping over 22,000 elderly individuals with conditions like strokes and cataracts.

Who Qualifies?

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card stands out for its inclusivity. Here’s who can apply:

• Age: You must be 70 or older, verified by your Aadhaar card. If only the birth year is listed, January 1 of the next year is taken as your date of birth.
• No Income Barriers: From low-income households to affluent families, everyone qualifies.
• Existing Scheme Holders: If you’re under schemes like CGHS or ECHS, you’ll need to choose between them and AB PM-JAY. Those with private insurance or ESIC can use this card alongside their existing plans.
• Family Coverage: Multiple seniors in a household (e.g., both grandparents) can share the ₹5 lakh coverage or get individual cards under the same family limit.

With an estimated 6 crore seniors across 4.5 crore families eligible, this scheme is a bold step toward universal healthcare for India’s elderly.

Why It’s a Game-Changer?

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card delivers real, life-changing benefits:

• Cashless Care: Get treatment at empanelled hospitals without paying upfront.
• Broad Coverage: From consultations to surgeries, it covers diagnostics, medicines, and hospital stays.
• No Cost: The card is free, with no premiums or hidden fees.
• Extensive Network: Access thousands of government and private hospitals nationwide.
• Immediate Benefits: Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
• Financial Relief: Say goodbye to out-of-pocket costs for medicines and tests.

In Delhi, the ₹10 lakh coverage includes free diagnostics, a personalised health card with medical history, and emergency service details, setting a high standard for health plans for senior citizens.

How to Apply in 10 Steps?

Getting your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is quick and user-friendly. You can apply through the Ayushman App, the PM-JAY portal, or at empanelled hospitals and Common Service Centres (CSCs). Here’s how:

1. Get the Ayushman App: Download the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store or visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in on your browser.
2. Choose Login Type: Select Beneficiary (for self-application) or Operator (if someone else is applying for you).
3. Enter Mobile and Captcha: Input your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the captcha code shown. Choose your authentication method (OTP or fingerprint).
4. Verify with OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your phone and the captcha again, then click Login.
5. Input Aadhaar Details: Provide your Aadhaar number. If not found in the system, proceed to e-KYC.
6. Complete e-KYC: Consent to OTP verification. If your mobile isn’t linked, use fingerprint authentication at a CSC or hospital.
7. Enter Beneficiary Details: Fill in your state, district, and PIN code. Select your category (e.g., general) if prompted.
8. Include Family Members: Add other eligible seniors in your household using the Add Member option.
9. Submit Declaration: Confirm the accuracy of your details. You may need to upload a photo for verification.
10. Download Your Card: Once approved (usually within 15 minutes), download your card from the app or portal to start using it.

Note: For offline applications, visit a CSC or empanelled hospital. For assistance, call 14555 or give a missed call to 1800 11 0770.

Application Tips

• Aadhaar Readiness: Ensure your Aadhaar reflects your correct age and is linked to an active mobile number.
• Hospital Check: Confirm empanelled hospitals near you via the PM-JAY portal.
• Assistance: If tech isn’t your thing, ask a family member or visit a CSC for help.
• Delhi-Specific: Register as a permanent Delhi resident to access the ₹10 lakh coverage.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the scheme is a blessing, it has limitations. Hospitals not empanelled under AB PM-JAY scheme may not accept the card, so check the network if you prefer specific doctors. For those with private medical insurance plans, the card can complement your plan, but treatment rates at empanelled hospitals are fixed. Always verify hospital eligibility to avoid surprises.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a beacon of hope for India’s seniors, ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a luxury. With ₹5 lakh (or ₹10 lakh in Delhi) in annual coverage, no income restrictions, and a vast hospital network, it’s transforming lives. The rapid enrollment of 25 lakh seniors and treatments worth ₹40 crore in just two months show its impact. If you or a loved one is over 70, don’t delay—follow the 10 steps above to secure your card. Here’s to a healthier, worry-free future for India’s elderly!

People Also Ask

1. Who can apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

   Any Indian citizen aged 70 or above, verified by their Aadhaar card, regardless of income or socio-economic status.

2. Can I use this card if I have private insurance?

   Yes, those with private insurance or ESIC can use the card as additional or backup coverage.

3. What documents do I need?

   An Aadhaar card is mandatory for e-KYC. Optional documents include proof of address (e.g., voter ID) or age (e.g., birth certificate).

4. How soon can I get the card?

   After e-KYC and approval, you can download the card within 15 minutes via the app or portal.

5. Can multiple seniors in my family apply?

   Yes, eligible seniors in a household can share the ₹5 lakh coverage or get individual cards under the family limit.

6. What treatments are included?

   The card covers about 2,000 procedures, including angioplasty, cataract surgery, and dialysis, with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions.