Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on 29 October 2024. This scheme provides free annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for every citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income. It aims to ease healthcare expenses for the elderly and support their well-being.
The scheme has already helped 4 crore people, and the new card specifically targets senior citizens to expand healthcare access. To use the card, beneficiaries must register through the PM-JAY portal or app and complete eKYC.
This expansion will cost ₹3,437 crore and aims to address India’s rapidly aging population. By 2050, around 19.5% of Indians will be elderly. Nearly 6 crore elderly people are expected to benefit, including those already covered by existing schemes like CGHS and ECHS.
