Nowadays, the rising cost of healthcare facilities is a matter of concern for everyone, especially for our elders. Keeping this in mind, the central government has launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which poor and needy people are getting free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh. Now the government has taken another unprecedented step.
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the facility of making ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ has been started for all elderly people of 70 years or above. This card will provide a strong shield of health protection to senior citizens. If there is a person above 70 years of age in your house and you want to take advantage of this facility, then this article is for you.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The central government launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on 23 September 2018. Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), this scheme provides cashless treatment in secondary and tertiary public and listed private hospitals across the country. Under this scheme, you can get free treatment up to ₹5 lakh, thereby taking the financial burden of treatment of critical illnesses off the shoulders of the common man.
What is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a special extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme specially designed for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This card helps them to avail free treatment of ₹5 lakh available under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It ensures that they do not have to depend on others financially for any health-related problems in old age.
How to apply for an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
First of all, download the ‘Ayushman App’ on your smartphone. It is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. After opening the app, log in as a ‘Beneficiary’. Enter your mobile number and fill in the given captcha code. An OTP (One Time Password) will come on your mobile. Complete the authentication process by entering the OTP.
After successfully logging in, you have to enter the details of the beneficiary including the state. Enter your Aadhaar number here. If the system is unable to detect the beneficiary (i.e., your details are not already in the system), you will have to complete the eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) process. For this, give your consent for OTP verification.
Enter the beneficiary’s mobile number and fill in the OTP sent to it. Now you have to fill in some additional details like category and PIN code. If there are other family members whom you want to add to the scheme, add their information as well. After filling in all the details and uploading the required documents (if any), submit the form. Once the e-KYC process is completed and your application is approved, you will be able to download your ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ from the app.
Is Aadhaar mandatory
Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment and issuance of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This means that you must have a valid Aadhaar number and it must be linked to your mobile number so that the OTP verification process can be completed. This process is important to verify the identity of the beneficiaries and maintain transparency.