2 Years of Ayushman Vay Vandana Initiative:
The Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative completed two years, recording 23.46 lakh authorised hospital admissions worth ₹5,668.80 crore as of October 2026.
- The Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative, launched on 29th October 2024, extends the benefits of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
- Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen healthcare access and financial protection for the elderly.
- Provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation, benefiting approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families.
- Senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an additional ₹5 lakh annual top-up cover, exclusively for themselves, separate from the existing family coverage.
- Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: Eligible senior citizens receive a distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, with Aadhaar-based e-KYC mandatory for enrolment.
- Registration is available through the Ayushman App and the AB PM-JAY beneficiary portal.
- Existing Health Insurance: Senior citizens covered under government schemes such as CGHS, ECHS and CAPF can choose between their existing scheme and AB PM-JAY.
- Those with private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) are also eligible.
- Promotes inclusive and cashless healthcare, reduces out-of-pocket hospitalisation expenses and strengthens financial security and dignity among elderly citizens.
