With advancing age, health problems and the cost of expensive medical treatment often become a major concern for the elderly and their families. To address this issue, the central  government has expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Now, all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their financial status, will receive free health insurance up to ₹5 lakh.

This initiative is proving to be a big support for crores of elderly people of the country, due to which they will not have to face shortage of money during the treatment of serious diseases in old age.

1. Key highlights of this new scheme:

Benefits without any income limit: All seniors over the age of 70 are eligible for this scheme. There are no family income limits or BPL requirements.

Separate coverage of ₹5 lakh: Even if any other family member already has an Ayushman card, the elderly person above 70 years of age will get additional and separate top-up coverage of ₹5 lakh under this scheme.

Existing Ayushman card holders will also benefit: Families that already have Ayushman cards and have elderly people above 70 years of age will have to update their e-KYC, after which the elderly will get a separate 'Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card'.

2. Who can apply and how?

Eligibility: Any citizen of India who is 70 years of age or above as on 1st March 2026 or as per official records is eligible for this.

Required Documents: Aadhaar Card (with correct date of birth) and Aadhaar linked mobile number (for OTP verification).

3. How to get Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card made?

First of all visit the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in or 'Ayushman App'.

Login with your mobile number.

Enter your age (70+ years) and Aadhaar details in the search box.

Once the eligibility is confirmed, click on the 'Do E-KYC' option.

Complete your biometric or face authentication using Aadhaar OTP.

You can download your digital "Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card" shortly after verification is complete. You can also seek help from your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or hospital's "Ayushman Mitra."

PC: Dainik Bhaskar