If you are 70 years or older, here’s some great news for you. The Government of India has launched a special scheme for senior citizens called the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.
Started on 29 October 2024, this scheme offers cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh every year.
The best part is that it is completely free—no premium payment or form-filling is required. Here’s everything you need to know.
Over 25 Lakh Elderly Already Registered
So far, more than 25 lakh people above 70 have registered under this scheme. Around 22,000 seniors have already received treatment worth over ₹40 crore.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card – A Boon for 70+ Citizens
This card is specially made for people aged 70 years and above. The biggest benefit is that no income, caste, or religion criteria apply. All that matters is your age.
The card is accepted at over 30,000 hospitals across India, including more than 13,000 private hospitals.
It covers 1,961 types of treatments, including many common age-related problems like heart surgeries, knee and hip pain, and cataracts—completely free of charge.
Benefits of the Scheme
Free cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year
Covers over 2,000 medical procedures, including cancer, dialysis, heart treatment, ICU care, and orthopedic surgeries
No waiting period – treatment starts immediately from day one
Available in both government and private hospitals
Over 30,000 hospitals are part of the scheme
No restrictions based on caste, religion, or income—only age (70+) matters
How to Register for the Scheme
Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or open the Ayushman Bharat app
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and log in using OTP
Click on ‘Senior Citizen 70+ Enrolment’
Enter your Aadhaar number and complete e-KYC via OTP or biometric
Fill in details like photo, state, district, caste, etc.
Submit the form and download your digital card (PDF) in 15–20 minutes
How to Apply Using the Ayushman App
Download and open the Ayushman app
Choose to log in as ‘Beneficiary’
Enter captcha and your mobile number, then log in using OTP
Select your state and enter Aadhaar number
If your name isn’t found, complete the e-KYC process with OTP consent
Fill the declaration form and enter another OTP sent to your mobile
Provide details like caste category (General, OBC, SC/ST) and PIN code
If you have other family members over 70, add their info too
After submitting the form and completing e-KYC, download your card
How to Check the List of Hospitals
To find nearby hospitals under the scheme, visit:
???? https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
You can search by state, district, or PIN code to see which government or private hospitals are available.
