In 2024, the central government expanded Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income. They receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana card. Here is how it works.
What the scheme offers
- Health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh a year for hospital treatment.
- Cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across India.
- Covers many procedures, including surgeries, medical treatment, and pre and post hospitalisation expenses as per scheme packages.
Who is eligible
- All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, based on Aadhaar.
- There is no income criterion.
How the cover works for families
- Seniors in families already covered under AB PM-JAY get an extra top up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh a year for themselves, which they do not have to share with younger family members.
- For other families, seniors aged 70 plus get Rs 5 lakh a year on a family basis, shared among eligible seniors in that family.
Also Read: Ayushman Card: Who Is Eligible, How to Download It and Rs 5 Lakh Cover Including for All Seniors 70+ | PMJJBY and PMSBY: Rs 2 Lakh Insurance for Rs 436 and Rs 20 a Year, Eligibility and How to Enrol
Other health schemes
- Seniors covered under schemes like CGHS, ECHS or CAPF health schemes can choose either their existing scheme or AB PM-JAY.
- Seniors with private health insurance or under ESIC are also eligible for this cover.
How to enrol
- Download the Ayushman app or visit the beneficiary portal of the National Health Authority.
- Log in with your mobile number.
- Choose the option for senior citizens aged 70 plus.
- Verify with Aadhaar and complete e-KYC, including a photo.
- The Ayushman Vay Vandana card is generated and can be downloaded.
You can also enrol at empanelled hospitals, Common Service Centres or Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with help from staff.
Using the card at a hospital
- Find an empanelled hospital on the PM-JAY website or app.
- Visit the Ayushman Mitra desk at the hospital.
- Show your card or Aadhaar for verification.
- Treatment is provided cashless as per scheme packages.
Helpline
The national helpline for AB PM-JAY is 14555.
Tips
- Enrol early instead of waiting for an emergency.
- Keep the card on your phone and a printed copy at home.
- Never pay any agent for enrolment. It is free.
Bottom line
Every Indian aged 70 and above can now get up to Rs 5 lakh of free hospital cover a year. Enrol through the Ayushman app or a nearby centre and keep the card ready.
Source / स्रोत: National Health Authority, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY beneficiary portal, Press Information Bureau
