The Centre has introduced a special provision under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to benefit senior citizens aged 70 and above. Through the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card, eligible seniors can now access up to Rs 5 lakh annually in free, cashless medical treatment at both public and empanelled private hospitals nationwide.

Key benefits:

  • Annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh
  • Cashless treatment at over 30,000 empanelled hospitals, including 13,352 private facilities
  • Coverage for 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialities
  • Includes treatment for all pre-existing conditions from day one
  • Specialised coverage for procedures such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, total knee and hip replacements, cardiology treatments like PTCA and pacemaker implantation, stroke care, cancer treatment, and orthopaedic surgeries

How to enrol and obtain the card

Senior citizens aged 70 and above can easily enrol through the Ayushman App or the official website. The only mandatory document for registration is an Aadhaar card, which serves as proof of age and identity. For Aadhaar cards that only display the birth year, January 1 of the following year will be considered as the date of birth.

Step-by-step registration process:

  • Download the Ayushman App on your smartphone.
  • Log in as a beneficiary or operator.
  • Enter the captcha code and mobile number, then complete the authentication process.
  • Input the OTP received and the captcha code, then click “Login.”
  • Allow access to the device’s location.
  • Enter the beneficiary’s details, including the state and Aadhaar number.
  • If the beneficiary is not found in the database, proceed with the Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification by confirming the OTP.
  • Fill in the required declaration and other personal details such as category and PIN code.
  • Add family members’ information, if applicable, and submit the application.
  • Once e-KYC is successfully completed, you will receive approval, and the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card will be available for download.