To provide easy access to healthcare services to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, the Central Government has introduced the “Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card” through the Ayushman Aayog. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), senior citizens holding this card will get Rs. 1000 per year.
Free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh is available. Since health problems are common with increasing age, this scheme has been implemented with the aim of providing free healthcare to everyone above 70 years of age. Eligible senior citizens can avail this facility in government and private hospitals without any income restriction. “Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card” is a significant step towards healthcare for senior citizens.
What is Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card?
The central government introduced the Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card in October 2023. Its objective is to provide comprehensive healthcare to the country’s senior citizens aged 70 years and above. The card holder can avail free treatment in government and private hospitals without any income limit. It works under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), which helps the beneficiary senior citizens to get quality treatment without having to spend their money on medical expenses.
The scheme was first launched on September 23, 2018 and is being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA). On September 11, 2024, the central government approved the extension of the AB PM-JAY scheme to all age groups. With this, all senior citizens above 70 years of age will get free health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh, irrespective of their income. This move will benefit about 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens.
Documents required to get Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card:
While registering for Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card, the following documents should be kept ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence:
- Ration Card,
- Passport Size Photo
- Mobile Number
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Limit: The applicant should be 70 years of age or above.
- Citizenship: The eligible person should be a citizen of India.
- No Income Limit: There is no income limit for this scheme. People from any income group can apply.
- Aadhaar Mandatory: The applicant should have an Aadhaar card.
- Residence Proof: The applicant should have a document showing that he/she is residing in India (e.g. voter ID, ration card, utility bills).
- Not being eligible for other health insurance schemes: In some states, the applicant should not already be eligible for any other health insurance scheme.
How to apply for Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card
- Search and download “Ayushman Bharat App”.
- Open the app and click on the login option that shows “Beneficiary” or “Operator”.
- Enter the captcha code, mobile number, and login through OTP.
- Enter your state name, Aadhaar card details etc. correctly.
- If the beneficiary information is available, select it. Otherwise, proceed with e-KYC through OTP. Enter your information correctly
- Enter the OTP received on the beneficiary’s mobile number.
- Enter the category to which the beneficiary belongs and the pin code of their area.
- Enter the details of the name, relationship, age etc. of all the family members and submit the application.
- After the e-KYC is completed and the application is approved, the Ayushman Vayo Vandana Card can be downloaded in digital form.