Modi Govt’s Diwali Gift: ₹5 Lakh Free Treatment for Senior Citizens with Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
Ayushman Bharat Yojana’s New Scheme Offers Health Coverage up to ₹5 Lakh for Seniors Aged 70+
Modi Govt’s Diwali Gift: ₹5 Lakh Free Health Coverage for Senior Citizens with Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
New Delhi: In a landmark announcement coinciding with Dhanwantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a significant healthcare initiative for senior citizens across India. The “Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card,” issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), now offers free treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh for all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income group.
This scheme represents a monumental shift in the government’s approach to making healthcare accessible and affordable for elderly citizens. By expanding the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to include seniors over 70, the Modi government aims to ease the financial burden of medical expenses on families while ensuring that senior citizens receive essential healthcare services without out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage Details: ₹5 Lakh Free Treatment for All Senior Citizens
Under this new scheme, every senior citizen above the age of 70 is entitled to free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually. This coverage extends to treatments for various ailments, ensuring that senior citizens from all financial backgrounds, including low-income and middle-income groups, receive adequate medical care. Announcing the initiative, Prime Minister Modi personally distributed Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards to beneficiaries in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand, symbolizing the beginning of a nationwide rollout.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
Senior citizens eligible for this health scheme can apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card through simple, accessible steps. Here’s a breakdown of the application process:
- Eligibility: All Indian citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for free health coverage under the extended Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
- Registration: Eligible seniors can register for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card using the Ayushman App or the National Health Authority’s website https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.
- Existing Ayushman Cardholders: Senior citizens who already have an Ayushman Card will need to reapply and complete eKYC to obtain the new Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, which entitles them to the expanded benefits under the scheme.
Benefits of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for Families
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is designed to provide not just free health services to senior citizens but also financial relief to families. Having a senior family member with this card can significantly reduce medical expenses for elderly members, allowing families to allocate their resources more effectively. This scheme also reduces the emotional and financial stress on families by ensuring seniors have assured healthcare without compromising on quality.
A Healthcare Revolution for Senior Citizens
The extension of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to include senior citizens is a major stride in the government’s commitment to universal healthcare. By securing free healthcare for seniors, Prime Minister Modi’s administration has taken a step to ensure dignity, safety, and health for the aging population of India. This scheme, launched on the auspicious occasion of Dhantryodashi, marks a milestone for India’s healthcare system, striving to deliver “Swasth Bharat” for all.
Senior citizens and their families are encouraged to apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card and benefit from this generous Diwali gift.
