A health shield for the elderly: Understanding the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

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• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card offers free healthcare to 70+ citizens
• Covers up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization
• Available at approved government and private hospitals nationwide

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This is a significant step taken by the Indian government to ensure better access to healthcare for senior citizens with the introduction of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This has been brought in by the government as an extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and it provides health care to all citizens above the age of 70 years, without considering their level of income. This is a huge relief for many senior citizens and their families. With age, the health care requirements also tend to increase, and at a time when the regular income may have ceased and the savings are carefully protected, an increase in the health care expenses can be a cause for concern.

What is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?

The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is associated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. As part of this extension, every eligible senior citizen above 70 years of age can avail free hospitalization services at empanelled government and private hospitals across the country. The scheme offers cashless treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

This particular extension is based on age criteria, unlike the previous versions of the scheme, which were more focused on economically backward families. The main aim of this extension is to ensure that senior citizens are not deprived of healthcare services due to lack of money.

Who can avail its benefits?

The programme is available to all Indian citizens who are above 70 years of age, irrespective of their income levels.

Senior citizens can apply for and use the card through enrolment centres or online platforms, depending on the process that the state will use for the implementation of the programme.

What kind of care is covered?

The programme covers the cost of hospitalization, including surgeries, testing, medication, and pre- and post-hospitalization care according to the guidelines of the programme. The programme is cashless in empanelled hospitals, which means that the beneficiaries do not have to pay cash and claim the money later.

Outpatient care and some exclusions may not be covered. Beneficiaries should check the details at the time of registration.

Why it matters to families

Medical emergencies are stressful to families. With rising healthcare costs, one hospitalization can empty retirement accounts. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card provides a safety net for senior citizens, making them less uncertain and more accessible to timely medical care.

It also helps to ensure dignity in old age, allowing senior citizens to access medical care without hesitation.

FAQs

1. Is registration compulsory for benefits?

Yes. Senior citizens must register and get the card to avail cashless benefits.

2. Can a senior citizen with existing private insurance avail this scheme?

Yes. But coordination between the two policies will depend on the guidelines and hospital policies.

3. Does this scheme provide benefits in private hospitals?

Yes. The scheme provides benefits in empanelled private as well as government hospitals.