Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Vay Vandana – Health Cover for Senior Citizens 70+
Objective: Provide free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year to ALL senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Beneficiaries: Approximately 4.5 crore families with 6 crore senior citizens. As of Dec 31, 2025, over 96.7 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued. Key Features: - Seniors in existing PM-JAY families get additional top-up of ₹5 lakh (not shared with under-70 members) - Other seniors 70+ get ₹5 lakh cover on a family basis - Cashless treatment at 29,870+ empanelled hospitals (including 13,173 private) - Covers approx 2,000 medical procedures; no waiting period for pre-existing conditions - Apply via Ayushman App, PM-JAY portal, or Common Service Centres Eligibility: Age 70+, verified by Aadhaar. No income barrier. Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA)
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Vay Vandana provides free health coverage of ₹5 lakh per year to ALL senior citizens aged 70+, irrespective of income
- Beneficiaries: approximately 4.5 crore families with 6 crore senior citizens; over 96.7 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards issued by Dec 31, 2025
- Seniors in existing PM-JAY families get additional top-up of ₹5 lakh not shared with under-70 members
- Cashless treatment at 29,870+ empanelled hospitals (including 13,173 private); covers approx 2,000 medical procedures with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions
- Apply via Ayushman App, PM-JAY portal, or Common Service Centres; age verified by Aadhaar
- Implemented by National Health Authority (NHA) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
What is the objective of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Vay Vandana?
The scheme provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under PM-JAY, irrespective of income level.
Who is eligible for Vay Vandana health cover?
Any Indian citizen aged 70 years or above is eligible, verified through Aadhaar. There is no income barrier, making it a universal scheme for senior citizens.
How many families are targeted as beneficiaries?
The scheme targets approximately 4.5 crore families with 6 crore senior citizens. As of 31 December 2025, over 96.7 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued.
Where can beneficiaries avail cashless treatment?
Cashless treatment is available at 29,870+ empanelled hospitals, including 13,173 private hospitals, covering around 2,000 medical procedures with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
How is the scheme implemented and by whom?
The scheme is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Applications can be filed via the Ayushman App, PM-JAY portal, or Common Service Centres.
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