Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY – Ayushman Vay Vandana (Health Cover for Senior Citizens 70+)
Objective: Provide free health cover of ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Launched: October 29, 2024 by PM Modi, as expansion of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Key Features: • ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family (additional ₹5 lakh top-up for existing PM-JAY beneficiaries) • Covers approximately 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics • Pre-existing conditions covered from day one, no waiting period • Universal eligibility — no income limit; applicable to all citizens 70+ • Distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card issued to beneficiaries • Registration via Ayushman App, www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in, toll-free 14555, or empanelled hospitals Target: 6 crore senior citizens in 4.5 crore families. December 2025 Milestone: Over 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards created across all States/UTs. 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹2,154.37 crore authorized.
- Ayushman Vay Vandana provides free health cover of ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70+ irrespective of income, launched on October 29, 2024 as expansion of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
- Covers approximately 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties including cardiology, oncology, and orthopaedics with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
- Targets 6 crore senior citizens in 4.5 crore families; existing PM-JAY beneficiaries 70+ get additional ₹5 lakh top-up.
- Over 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards created by December 2025 with 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹2,154.37 crore authorized.
- Registration via Ayushman App, beneficiary.nha.gov.in, toll-free number 14555, or empanelled hospitals; distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card issued.
What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme?
It is an expansion of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY that provides free health cover of ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic status.
When was Ayushman Vay Vandana launched?
It was launched on 29 October 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme for senior citizens.
Who is eligible for Ayushman Vay Vandana?
All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible, with universal eligibility and no income limit. Existing PM-JAY beneficiaries get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up.
How can seniors register for Ayushman Vay Vandana?
Registration is available through the Ayushman App, the portal www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in, the toll-free helpline 14555, or at empanelled hospitals, after which the Vay Vandana Card is issued.
What medical procedures are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers approximately 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties including cardiology, oncology and orthopaedics, with pre-existing conditions covered from day one and no waiting period.
How many senior citizens have benefited so far?
As of December 2025, over 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been created across all States and UTs, with 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹2,154.37 crore authorized.
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