Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojna: Nowadays, the rising cost of healthcare facilities has become a matter of concern for everyone. In such a situation, the Central Government’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY) has proved to be a lifesaver for the poor and needy people, under which free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh is available.
Now the government has further expanded the scope of this scheme. Yes, all elderly people of 70 years or above have also the facility to get an ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This is a great initiative that will free our senior citizens from the worry of illness.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme on 23 September 2018. This scheme, implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), provides cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh in secondary and tertiary public and listed private hospitals across the country. This means that you do not have to pay out of your pocket for expenses from hospitalization to treatment and discharge. This scheme saves millions of families from financial ruin.
Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
This special card is for senior citizens aged 70 years and above, which enables them to avail of free treatment up to ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It ensures that no one has to suffer due to health-related expenses in old age. This move of the government reflects its commitment towards senior citizens, who have been contributing to the country and society throughout their lives.
How to apply for an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
The process of applying for an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is extremely simple and can be easily completed using the Ayushman App.
- First of all download ‘Ayushman App’ from Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone
- Open the app and choose the option to log in as ‘Beneficiary’.
- Enter your mobile number and then fill in the captcha code. You will receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your mobile number.
- Complete the login process by entering the received OTP and captcha code.
- After logging in, you have to select the state and enter other beneficiary details including your Aadhaar number.
- If the system is unable to find the beneficiary automatically, proceed with the eKYC process. For this, give your consent for OTP verification.
- Enter the beneficiary’s mobile number and the OTP sent to it.
- Fill in additional details like category (e.g. senior citizen), and PIN code, and add information related to other family members (if any).
- After filling in all the details correctly, submit the form.
- Once the e-KYC process is completed and your application is approved, you will be able to download the ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ from the app itself.
Is Aadhaar mandatory
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment and issuance of Ayushman cards to eligible senior citizens. This means that you must have a valid Aadhaar card and it must be linked to your mobile number to complete the OTP verification process. Aadhaar is used to ensure identity and accuracy so that the benefits of the scheme reach the right persons.