Accessing healthcare often becomes an uphill battle for senior citizens, with the financial burden of treatments acting as a significant barrier. Many older adults find themselves postponing or forgoing critical medical care primarily due to fear and also due to skyrocketing costs, which can jeopardise their health and well-being.
Recognising this challenge, the Indian Government introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card on September 12, 2024, a welcoming initiative aimed at ensuring that financial constraints no longer stand in the way of healthcare for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
This scheme provides free medical treatment and coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all eligible senior citizens, irrespective of their financial background. Designed as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the card is a lifeline for elderly individuals, offering them access to quality healthcare without worrying about the cost.
This is particularly crucial for those managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension, which can significantly impact healthcare costs. Moreover, pre-existing illnesses can influence health insurance premiums, potentially resulting in higher costs or even denial of coverage.
Here’s how the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card aims to change the lives of senior citizens in India:
Comprehensive Coverage: Cardholders can receive cashless treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh annually at empanelled hospitals across India, covering an extensive range of medical procedures.
You can find the extensive list of hospitals that come under the card here
Inclusivity: Unlike schemes that target economically disadvantaged groups, this programme is universal for all citizens aged 70 and above, breaking socio-economic barriers.
Portability: Beneficiaries can avail of treatments at any empanelled hospital nationwide, ensuring seamless healthcare access even outside their home state.
How to Apply
The National Health Authority (NHA) has simplified the registration process for the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card. Seniors can now register in multiple ways: online through the beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in) or the Ayushman app, or in person at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals and common service centers.
Eligible individuals can complete an Aadhaar-based e-KYC through the National Health Authority website or Common Service Centres (CSCs) to register. After successful verification, they’ll receive the card, granting them access to cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card promises to be a commitment to health, dignity, and care of the country’s senior citizens.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
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