New Delhi: In a remarkable milestone, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card initiative has successfully enrolled 25 lakh senior citizens within just two months of its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024. The program, an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), aims to provide senior citizens aged 70 and above with comprehensive healthcare benefits.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- ₹5 Lakh Annual Health Cover: All senior citizens aged 70+ are eligible for health coverage worth ₹5 lakh annually, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
- Additional Top-Up: Those already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an extra ₹5 lakh specifically for senior members in their families.
- Wide-Ranging Coverage: Covers around 2000 medical procedures, including Coronary Angioplasty, Hip Replacement, Cataract Surgery, Stroke management, Hemodialysis, and more.
- Pre-Existing Diseases Covered: All pre-existing conditions are covered from day one without a waiting period.
Impact of the Program:
- Over 22,000 senior citizens have already benefited from treatments valued at ₹40 crore.
- Common treatments include critical care such as coronary angioplasty and stroke management, as well as routine procedures like cataract surgery and gall bladder removal.
Registration Process:
Eligible senior citizens can register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through various channels:
- Empanelled Hospitals: Visit the nearest empanelled hospital for on-site registration.
- Online Registration: Use the Ayushman Bharat mobile app or visit the official Ayushman Bharat website.
- Toll-Free Services: Call 14555 or give a missed call to 1800110770 for assistance.
Flexibility for Existing Beneficiaries:
Senior citizens under other government schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF can either continue their existing benefits or opt for AB PM-JAY. Those covered by private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance are also eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for the elderly, addressing both critical and routine medical needs comprehensively.
