About the Scheme
Ayushman Vaya Vandana extends AB PM-JAY health coverage to ALL senior citizens aged 70+ regardless of income. Launched October 29, 2024 (National Ayurveda Day). ₹5 lakh health cover per senior per year. Universal: existing PM-JAY families (70+) get additional ₹5 lakh top-up; non-PM-JAY seniors get fresh ₹5 lakh cover. 93+ lakh Vaya Vandana cards issued by Dec 2025.
Target Beneficiaries: All senior citizens aged 70+ years (~6 crore seniors); 93+ lakh cards issued as of Dec 2025
Key Features
- Universal: ALL senior citizens aged 70+ covered, no income cap whatsoever
- ₹5 lakh per senior per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation
- Top-up ₹5 lakh for existing PM-JAY beneficiaries (70+) over their family entitlement
- Dedicated Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card — distinct from regular Ayushman Bharat card
- Pre-existing diseases covered from Day 1 — no waiting period
- All 33,000+ AB PM-JAY empanelled hospitals accessible nationwide
- 93+ lakh Vaya Vandana cards issued; 7.89 lakh hospital admissions authorized (Oct 2025)