Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card : Extension Of The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana:
Prime Minister recently launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
- This card aims to ensure free healthcare for every citizen aged 70 years and above, providing an annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card announced during the Union Budget 2024-25.
- It Operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Aim: To provide free, universal healthcare access to seniors above 70 years, ensuring they can avail of necessary treatments without financial burdens.
- All Indian citizens aged 70 years or older are eligible, regardless of income or economic status.
- It Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for healthcare needs, shared if multiple elderly individuals live in one household.
- Requires registration via the PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app and mandatory eKYC completion, even for those with existing Ayushman cards.
- Beneficiaries of other government health schemes (e.g., CGHS, ECHS) can either retain existing coverage or opt for the Ayushman Bharat benefits.
- Also available for individuals insured under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and those with private health insurance.
