Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: The elderly will now get free treatment worth ₹5 lakh from the government..

Ayushman Bharat Scheme for Senior Citizens: The cost of treating illnesses and the fear of hospitalization during old age are major concerns for every family. To address this issue, the Central Government has expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) by launching the 'Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card'. Under this initiative, all senior citizens aged 70 years or older are entitled to free medical treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually.

Let us understand who is eligible for this scheme, the applicable rules, and the application process.

**₹5 Lakh Coverage with No Income Limit**

The most significant change in the Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme concerns eligibility. Previously, the scheme was restricted to specific economic groups (such as the economically weaker sections). Now, every Indian citizen aged 70 or older is eligible for this card, regardless of their financial status.

Eligible senior citizens will receive cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per year at empanelled government and private hospitals. They will not be required to make any upfront payments at the hospital.

**Rules for Senior Citizens with Existing Health Insurance**

*   **Existing Ayushman Card Holders:** Senior citizens already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be issued a separate Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under this expanded initiative.

*   **CGHS, ECHS, and Private Insurance Holders:** Senior citizens currently availing benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or private health insurance policies can also apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. However, they should review the applicable terms and conditions when making a claim.

**How ​​to Apply? The Complete Process**

Obtaining this card is very simple and does not require extensive paperwork. An Aadhaar card is mandatory for age proof and verification. Eligible senior citizens can register themselves from the comfort of their homes using the Ayushman Bharat mobile app. Alternatively, they can visit a nearby Common Service Center (CSC) or any other authorized enrollment center to complete the biometric verification and get the card made. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is issued immediately upon the completion of the verification process.

Things to keep in mind before visiting the hospital:

Check the list of hospitals: Before seeking treatment, ensure that the hospital is empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The list of empanelled hospitals can be viewed on the official PMJAY website.

Carry identification documents: Carry your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card and Aadhaar card when getting admitted to the hospital; this will facilitate a smoother admission process.

Covered ailments: The scheme covers the costs of only those illnesses, surgeries, and procedures that fall under the PMJAY packages.

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