Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme for Senior Citizens above 70 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) Scheme on 29th October 2024. In the context of this recent development, the relevance of the PM insurance scheme has rapidly increased, and hence the requirement of explaining the scheme becomes timely. This article covers all the necessary topics to understand what the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme is all about: giving the eligibility, benefits, and key features and then describing key features and how to avail the benefits of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.

What is the PM Modi Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme?

The PM Modi Health Scheme, or PM Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance, officially known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a government-funded health insurance program launched in 2018 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. It’s the world’s largest health assurance scheme, aiming to provide financial assistance for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 crore (120 million) poor and vulnerable families in India. This translates to approximately 55 crore (550 million) beneficiaries, covering roughly the bottom 40% of the country’s population. This expansion provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for every citizen aged 70 years and above, as per information given by the official website. PM Modi unveils Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, importantly free healthcare for all seniors above 70. This Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance is provided regardless of income or economic status.

How to Register for Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens?

As of October 2024, a significant expansion of PM-JAY benefits senior citizens aged 70 and above. This means they are now eligible for health coverage regardless of their income status. There are two ways senior citizens can benefit from Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance:

• Existing PM-JAY families: Senior citizens within families already covered by PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year. This is on top of the existing family coverage.
• New beneficiaries (senior citizens not covered by existing PM-JAY families): These individuals will be provided with a separate cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

Registration for senior citizens can be done through the following methods:

• Hospitals: Many empaneled hospitals under PM-JAY can assist senior citizens with registration during admission.
• Helpline: Call the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 and follow the instructions for senior citizen registration.
• Common Service Centers (CSCs): Visit your nearest CSC and request assistance with PM-JAY registration.

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance?

There are two main ways to apply for PM-JAY benefits:

• Using your Ayushman Card: If you have already received your Ayushman Card, you can directly visit any empaneled hospital under the scheme. The hospital will handle cashless claim processing based on your card details.
• Checking Eligibility Online: You can visit the PM-JAY official website (nha.gov.in) and use the “Am I Eligible” tool to check if your family is included in the beneficiary list. If eligible, you can download an e-Ayushman Card or locate nearby CSCs or hospitals for registration assistance.

Who are Eligible for PM Health Scheme?

Eligibility for PM-JAY is primarily based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Here’s a breakdown of who can potentially benefit:

• Rural Families: Identified based on deprivation and occupational criteria in SECC 2011.
• Urban Families: Identified based on occupational criteria in SECC 2011.

Here are some additional categories that may be included:

• Households headed by widows or deserted women.
• Persons with disabilities.
• SC/ST communities.
• Landless agricultural laborers.
• Other categories as defined by the government.

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat for 70 years Old?

To apply for Ayushman Bharat for senior citizens aged 70 and above, you can follow these steps:

1. Registration:

• Online: Visit the PM-JAY portal or the Ayushman app and register.
• Offline: Visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital for assistance.

2. eKYC:

• You will need to complete the mandatory eKYC process to verify your identity. This can usually be done online or at a CSC.

3. Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:

• Once registered and verified, you will receive an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This card will serve as your identification for availing free healthcare benefits.

Important Points to Remember:

• Eligibility: All citizens aged 70 and above are eligible, irrespective of their income.
• Benefits: You can avail free healthcare treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per year at empaneled hospitals.
• Coverage: The coverage includes a wide range of medical treatments and procedures.

By following these steps and ensuring you have the necessary documents, you can easily register for Ayushman Bharat and avail the benefits of this government scheme.

Features of PMJAY

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), commonly known as PMJAY, is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide a comprehensive health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families. This scheme is a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in India.

• Comprehensive Coverage: PMJAY covers a wide range of secondary and tertiary care medical procedures, including surgeries, medical tests, and hospitalization costs.
• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across the country.
• Portability: The scheme is portable, meaning beneficiaries can access treatment at any empanelled hospital in India.
• Family Floater: The coverage is on a family floater basis, ensuring that all family members are covered under a single policy.
• Free Choice of Hospital: Beneficiaries have the freedom to choose from a network of empanelled hospitals.

Benefits of PM-JAY Scheme

• Financial Protection: PMJAY provides financial protection to poor and vulnerable families against the high cost of medical treatment.
• Improved Access to Healthcare: The scheme facilitates access to quality healthcare services, especially for those living in rural areas and underserved communities.
• Reduced Financial Burden: By covering a significant portion of medical expenses, PMJAY reduces the financial burden on families during medical emergencies.
• Boost to Healthcare Infrastructure: The scheme has led to an increase in the number of empanelled hospitals, thereby improving healthcare infrastructure in the country.
• Empowerment of Women: PMJAY empowers women by providing them with access to quality healthcare, particularly maternal and child healthcare services.

Eligibility for PMJAY Scheme

Beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Households identified as poor and vulnerable are eligible for coverage under the scheme.

How to Avail PMJAY Benefits

Beneficiaries can avail PMJAY benefits through the following steps:

1. Identification: Eligible beneficiaries are identified based on the SECC 2011 data.
2. Golden Card: Beneficiaries receive a Golden Card, which serves as proof of eligibility.
3. Hospitalization: At the time of hospitalization, the beneficiary presents the Golden Card to the empanelled hospital.
4. Cashless Treatment: The hospital verifies the eligibility of the beneficiary and provides cashless treatment.

What is Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on October 29, 2024. This expansion provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for every citizen aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income or economic status.To facilitate this initiative, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card was introduced. This card will serve as a crucial tool for senior citizens to access cashless healthcare services at empaneled public and private hospitals across India.The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a healthcare initiative launched by the Indian government under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This card provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for every citizen aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or economic status.

Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card Benefits:

• Free Healthcare: Eligible senior citizens can avail cashless treatment at empaneled public and private hospitals across India.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of medical treatments and procedures, including hospitalization, surgeries, and medication.
• Financial Relief: The card significantly reduces the financial burden of healthcare expenses for senior citizens and their families.

How to Apply Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?

The following are the steps to describe how to apply PM Ayushman Card:-

1. Online Registration: In order for online registration of PM Ayushman Card these are the following steps:
   • Visit the PM-JAY portal or the Ayushman app.
   • Create an account and provide the required information.
   • Complete the eKYC process to verify your identity.
2. Offline Registration: In order for offline registration of PM Ayushman Card, these are the following steps
   • Visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital.
   • Provide necessary documents and complete the registration process.

Here are some important points you need to keep in before applying for PM Ayushman Card

• Eligibility: All Indian citizens aged 70 and above are eligible.
• Coverage: The coverage is provided on a family basis.
• Empaneled Hospitals: Treatment can be availed at empaneled hospitals across the country.

The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of senior citizens in India. By providing free healthcare coverage, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden and improve the quality of life for the elderly population

Key Features of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:

• Universal Coverage: The scheme is applicable to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income or social status.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The card covers a wide range of medical treatments and procedures, including hospitalization, surgeries, and medication.
• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals, reducing financial burdens.
• Financial Relief: The scheme aims to alleviate the financial stress associated with healthcare costs for senior citizens and their families.

How to Avail the Benefits:

1. Eligibility: All Indian citizens aged 70 and above are eligible.
2. Registration:
   • Online: Register through the PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app.
   • Offline: Visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital.
3. eKYC: Complete the eKYC process to verify identity.
4. Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: Upon successful registration and verification, you will receive the card.

By providing free healthcare coverage to millions of senior citizens, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of the elderly population in India.

How to PM Ayushman Card Download

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What is the PM Health Scheme?

The PM Health Scheme, formally known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a government-backed health insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection to poor and vulnerable families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

2. Who is eligible for PM health Scheme?

Eligibility for PM-JAY is primarily based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Rural and urban poor families identified through this census are eligible for the scheme.

3. How to apply for Ayushman Bharat health insurance?

Online: Visit the official PM-JAY website and check your eligibility. If eligible, you can download an e-Ayushman card.Offline: Visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital to register and obtain a physical Ayushman card.

4. What are the benefits of PM Yojana? The PM Yojana offers several benefits, including:

• Cashless hospitalization at empaneled public and private hospitals.
• Financial coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.
• Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
• Coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and procedures.

5. What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)?

PM-JAY is the official name of the PM Modi Health Scheme. It is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India.

6. Who is eligible for the Ayushman India health card?

Individuals who are eligible for PM-JAY benefits are eligible for the Ayushman India health card. This card acts as a digital health ID and can be used to access various healthcare services.

7. How to apply for Ayushman Bharat for 70 years old?

Senior citizens aged 70 and above are automatically eligible for PM-JAY benefits. They can register at a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital to obtain an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.

8. Is Ayushman Bharat health insurance?

Yes, Ayushman Bharat is a comprehensive health insurance scheme that provides financial protection to millions of Indian families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

9. How to register for Ayushman card for senior citizens?

Senior citizens can register for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card at a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital.

10. What is Ayushman Bharat Health Account – ABHA Number?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a unique health identifier assigned to each individual. It serves as a digital health record and can be used to access healthcare services across various healthcare providers.

11. Who is eligible for the Ayushman India health card?

Individuals who are eligible for PM-JAY benefits are eligible for the Ayushman India health card. This includes poor and vulnerable families identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.

12. How to apply for Ayushman Bharat for 70 years old?

Senior citizens aged 70 and above are automatically eligible for PM-JAY benefits. They can register at a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital to obtain an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.

13. How to apply for Ayushman Bharat card online?

As of now, there isn’t a direct online application process for Ayushman Bharat cards. However, you can check your eligibility on the official PM-JAY website (nha.gov.in) and locate nearby Common Service Centers (CSCs) or empaneled hospitals to initiate the registration process.

14. Is Ayushman Bharat health insurance?

Yes, Ayushman Bharat, specifically PM-JAY, is a comprehensive health insurance scheme. It provides financial coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can access quality healthcare without facing significant financial burdens.

Conclusion

PMJAY is a landmark initiative that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in India. By providing financial protection and access to quality healthcare, the scheme is empowering millions of poor and vulnerable Indians. As the scheme continues to evolve, it is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of universal health coverage in the country.

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