Medical expenses can become a major financial concern for families as their parents and grandparents grow older. To help reduce this burden, the Government of India has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or socio-economic status.

Under this expansion, eligible senior citizens can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospital treatment under the scheme's prescribed conditions. The initiative is intended to make essential healthcare more accessible and protect older people from substantial medical expenses.

According to a government update published in 2026, more than 1.20 crore senior citizens had enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana initiative by June 5, 2026. <Cite refs={["turn119432search2"]}/>

What Is Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana?

Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana is the senior-citizen coverage expansion under AB PM-JAY, introduced in October 2024.

Unlike the original scheme, which primarily covers eligible economically disadvantaged families, the expanded benefit is available to all Indian citizens aged 70 years or older, irrespective of income.

The key benefits include:

• Health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the scheme's applicable rules.

• Eligibility based on age rather than income.

• Access to cashless treatment for covered hospital procedures at participating hospitals.

• Coverage for eligible senior citizens even if their families do not qualify under the original income-based criteria.

The coverage is subject to scheme rules, treatment packages and hospital participation.

Who Is Eligible for the ₹5 Lakh Health Cover?

Senior citizens who have attained the age of 70 years are eligible for the expanded coverage, irrespective of their financial status.

Applicants generally need to establish their age and identity through the prescribed verification process.

An important point for families to understand is that this expansion is specifically intended for people aged 70 and above. Younger senior citizens do not qualify for this particular age-based expansion, although they may qualify for the regular AB PM-JAY scheme through its existing eligibility criteria.

For families already covered under AB PM-JAY, the applicable arrangements for senior members should be checked through the official scheme portal.

How to Apply for an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

Eligible senior citizens can check the enrolment process through the official Ayushman Bharat portal.

1. Visit https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ or the official Ayushman Bharat website.

2. Look for the senior-citizen enrolment option.

3. Complete the required registration and identity verification.

4. Provide the details requested by the portal.

5. Follow the instructions to complete enrolment and obtain the Ayushman card.

Eligible citizens can also seek assistance through an authorised Ayushman Bharat enrolment centre or participating hospital.

The precise verification steps may vary depending on the application method and the applicant's circumstances.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered?

The scheme provides cashless coverage for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation services included in its approved treatment packages.

This can include a range of hospital procedures and specialised treatments, subject to the applicable rules.

However, it is important not to assume that every medical expense is automatically covered. Routine outpatient consultations, medicines purchased outside a covered hospitalisation and other services may be subject to different rules.

Before planned treatment, contact an empanelled hospital to confirm whether the procedure is covered and what documentation is required.

Can Private Hospitals Also Provide Treatment?

Yes. Both participating government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals can provide covered treatment under AB PM-JAY.

Beneficiaries should verify that the hospital is currently listed under the scheme and offers the relevant treatment package.

Cashless treatment is available for covered services under the prescribed conditions. Patients should ask the hospital's Ayushman help desk for clarification before admission whenever circumstances permit.

In a medical emergency, however, do not delay urgent treatment while trying to complete online registration.

What Should Families Do Now?

If a parent or grandparent is aged 70 or above, it may be useful to check their enrolment status and arrange the necessary documentation.

Families should:

• Verify eligibility through the official portal.

• Complete enrolment through authorised channels.

• Keep the Ayushman card and relevant identification details accessible.

• Check hospital empanelment before planned treatment.

• Avoid agents who demand unofficial payments to issue a card or guarantee coverage.

For official information, visit the National Health Authority at https://nha.gov.in/ or the beneficiary portal at https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.

Final Words

The Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana expansion offers an important healthcare safety net for eligible citizens aged 70 and above. By providing up to ₹5 lakh in annual health coverage under the scheme's rules, it can help reduce the financial pressure associated with covered hospital treatment.

Families should verify eligibility, complete the official enrolment process and understand the coverage conditions before relying on the benefit. Knowing these details in advance can make it easier for older family members to access the healthcare support available to them.