The government of India provides around 17 types of health insurance with each catering to a unique demographic. The largest of these schemes in India and the world over is the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Despite the accolades, the scheme failed to cater to a vulnerable section – the senior citizens of the country.
To address this gap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card on the 29th of October, 2024. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a healthcare initiative that provides up to Rs. 5 lakh medical coverage to senior citizens over the age of 70, regardless of socioeconomic background. Over 25 lakh beneficiaries have already enrolled in less than two months of its launch, with over 22,000 seniors availing treatments costing more than Rs. 40 crore.
NRIs face unique challenges with regard to elder care that are not addressed enough. They struggle to tend to their parents' needs from afar, often juggling themselves between continents. While everything in India requires an in-person visit or comprehensive research to make sure NRIs aren’t being ripped off, this initiative provides a much-needed safety net for them to obtain health insurance for their elderly parents back home who may not be covered via the health insurance provided by the NRI’s employer.
Who can apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
To be eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, an applicant must:
Be aged 70 years or older
Be a permanent resident of India holding a valid Aadhaar card
Factors like the socio-economic status of the applicant are not considered.
Key features of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Universal coverage for seniors: The card offers Rs. 5 lakh annual health coverage to every senior citizen aged 70 years and above. For families already covered under AB PM-JAY, an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh is provided for senior members. However, if multiple senior citizens in a family are enrolled, the Rs. 5 lakh coverage is shared among them.
A wide range of treatments: The scheme specifically covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Beneficiaries get access to about 2,000 medical treatments. Since its inception it has been availed for procedures like coronary angioplasty, hip fractures/replacements, gallbladder removal, cataract operations, prostate resection, stroke, haemodialysis, and febrile diseases to name a few.
No waiting period: All pre-existing conditions are covered from day one. There is no waiting period unlike in private insurances. As soon as the registration is complete, the cover can be availed.
Cashless process: Treatment is entirely cashless at empanelled hospitals.
Empanelled network: The AB PM-JAY network consists of over 30,000 hospitals of which 13,466 are private facilities. However, not all are active. Active hospitals are those from where at least one patient has been discharged over the last 45 days. Active hospitals remain below 3,000 under the PMJAY scheme.
Advantages of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
This scheme is open to every senior citizen over 70 irrespective of their financial background.
All aspects of diagnosis and treatment costs including pre-hospitalization, in-hospital medications, intensive care, diagnostics and lab tests, implants and devices, hospital stay, complications coverage, and post-discharge care are covered.
Seniors with private health insurance coverage can still enroll for this scheme. This makes it a feasible option for NRIs whose employee insurance does not cover their parents back home in India.
Unlike with private insurance where there is a waiting period of about 3 years to cover pre-existing conditions, all sorts of treatments are covered from day one with the Vay Vandana card.
Limitations of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Senior citizens can only hold one government insurance policy. If an individual is currently enrolled for any other health schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), or the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), they must give this up to avail AB PM-JAY.
The state governments of Delhi and West Bengal have not authorized the issue of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. As healthcare falls under the state's jurisdiction, currently citizens belonging to these states can not avail this cover.
Citizens belonging to districts and states where the Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect can only apply for the card once the code is lifted. This has been designed to prevent political parties from launching public schemes or offering financial aid to influence voters during election periods. The code is currently in effect in the states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, and certain districts of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
AB-PMJAY does not cover expenses for outpatient department services, dental treatments, and vaccinations. Additionally, treatment under the scheme is limited to the general ward of hospitals.
If multiple senior citizens in a family are enrolled, the Rs. 5 lakh coverage is shared among them.
Private hospitals don’t entertain AB-PMJAY patients as they face delays from the government on reimbursements.
Why this is especially useful for NRIs
For global Indians, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card offers a significant advantage as their employer health insurance often does not extend to senior citizens residing back home in India. This leaves their vulnerable parents, who require this coverage on priority, out of the picture. On the other hand, purchasing stand-alone health insurance for senior citizens can pinch their pocket due to the high premiums and limited coverage. This is where the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card comes in as an invaluable resource.
The program's flexibility allows senior citizens to access medical treatments without the financial burden, even if they are already covered by a private health insurance scheme. To add to the perks, the card's cashless treatment option and no waiting period for pre-existing conditions make it an appealing alternative to the often lengthy and expensive process of securing private insurance that may require their physical presence in India.
who may not be covered via the health insurance provided by the NRI’s employer
who may not be covered via the health insurance provided by the NRI’s employer
How to register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Senior citizens aged 70 and above who qualify for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card can register through various channels. They can either visit the nearest empanelled hospital for registration, download the Ayushman app from the Google Play Store, or visit the official website.
Online registration process
Enter the captcha and your mobile number to log in.
Ignore the initial options on the screen that pops up.
Click on the banner that says "Click here to enroll for senior citizens."
Start the e-KYC process.
Verify your Aadhaar number via OTP.
The National Health Authority (NHA) OTP should also be verified.
Select one of the health schemes you already own from the pop-up list, if applicable.
Capture your picture for Aadhaar image verification.
Add family members and their details.
Click on "Submit."
After 15 minutes, download the Ayushman Vay Vandana (AVV) Card.
Registration via Ayushman app
Download the Ayushman Bharat app from the Google Play Store.
Enter your mobile number and captcha, then authenticate with an OTP.
Provide Aadhaar details and any additional required information.
Shoot and upload your photo as part of the registration process.
Input details of family members and their Aadhaar numbers.
After successful verification, download your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
Offline registration
Visit an empanelled center - Go to the nearest Health and Wellness Center (HWC), Common Service Center (CSC), or an empanelled hospital.
Aarogya mitras: They are the staff who will assist in generating the AVV Card.
Necessary documents - Ensure you bring your Aadhaar card for verification.
Complete the process - Provide the required details, and the staff will help you complete the registration and generate your card.
Helplines
Toll-free number - Dial 14555 and 1800110770.
Visit the NHA portal https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
Download the Ayushman app, available on the Google play store.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has proved to be a transformative initiative that ensures comprehensive healthcare coverage for senior citizens. Despite some regional limitations and exclusions, the card offers a crucial safety net, empowering senior citizens across India to access better healthcare.
For global Indians, this scheme ensures some much needed peace of mind that comes with the knowledge of a robust healthcare initiative that caters to their aged parents. It addresses all the challenges related to distance, physical presence, and supernormal premiums in a single card. As the scheme continues to expand, it promises to significantly improve the healthcare landscape and create a more equitable healthcare system for all.
