How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Coverage if You’re a Senior Citizen

As women, ensuring our family’s health and financial security is the top priority, be it our children, husband, elderly in-laws, or parents. With increasing health issues, health insurance becomes very essential, policies for younger ages are easily available but health insurance for seniors often comes with limitations & expensive premiums. 

But now, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) offers health insurance even for senior citizens aged above 70. This government initiative provides comprehensive health coverage with benefits up to ₹5 lakh, making it a valuable resource for families with elderly parents & in-laws.

If you’re considering the Ayushman Bharat Scheme for your elderly loved ones, then let’s first understand what is the scheme about, its benefits, features, and how to apply for the same.

What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme PM-JAY?

India’s largest government-backed health insurance scheme is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It provides financial protection to low-income families by covering medical expenses for major treatments up to ₹5 lakh per year. Now, this scheme is extended to all senior citizens aged 70+ regardless of their economic status or income.

Eligibility for Senior Citizens 

– All senior citizens aged 70 or above, regardless of socio-economic background or income, are eligible for Ayushman Bharat benefits. They will receive a unique new card to access the scheme.

– Any Senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are part of families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, will receive an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per year just for themselves (i.e. Senior citizens). This coverage will be separate from the main family coverage shared with younger members.

–  If multiple senior citizens in the same family are covered, each one will benefit from a ₹5 lakh annual coverage.

Benefits covered under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY:

The scheme covers a wide range of medical expenses for secondary and tertiary care treatments,

– No Waiting Period: There is no waiting period for senior citizens for any disease or treatment, coverage starts immediately.

– Diagnosis & Treatment Costs: All costs related to doctor consultations, diagnosis, and treatments are covered.

– Pre-Hospitalization: Coverage for up to 3 days before admission, including diagnostic tests and medicines.

– In-Hospital Medications: Includes required medications and consumables during treatment.

– Intensive Care: Coverage for both regular and specialized intensive care (ICU).

– Diagnostics & Lab Tests: All necessary tests and lab investigations are included.

– Implants & Devices: Coverage for stents, pacemakers, and other necessary implants.

– Hospital Stay: Covers costs of general wards or ICUs, along with provided meals.

– Complications Coverage: Any treatment-related complications are included.

– Post-Discharge Care: Follow-up care for up to 15 days after discharge.

What is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?

To enroll in the scheme, senior citizens need to generate an Ayushman Vaya Vandana (AVV) Card. Every senior citizen above the age of 70 is eligible to receive this card, granting them access to free treatment in hospitals up to ₹5 lakhs.

Documents Required for Enrollment

The following documents may be needed for enrollment:

• Aadhar Card is a mandatory document for enrollment in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, as it helps the government maintain a reliable database and prevents misuse.
•  Mobile number
• Email ID
• Age proof
• KYC

How to Apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?

1. Go to the official website at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
2. Enter the captcha and your mobile number, then authenticate. Click “Login.”
3. Look for the banner to enroll senior citizens aged 70 and above, then click on it.
4. Re-enter your mobile number and captcha, then click “Search.”
5. If you see a message saying the Aadhaar number does not exist, click on “Fresh Enrollment.”
6. Enter the OTP, agree to the Aadhaar consent, and click “Allow.”
7. Enter both the OTPs, on the declaration page it displays that the beneficiary is eligible for the Ayushman scheme.
8. Then click on none of the above and proceed ahead.
9. Capture the photo and proceed.
10. Declare all family members’ details. Confirm that all the information provided is true to your knowledge.
11. After successful approval, you can download the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card after 15 minutes.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY can be a game changer for our families, especially for elderly parents who deserve quality healthcare in their later years. If you have loved ones over 70 who need reliable health coverage, then apply for this scheme and benefit from it.

If you wish to buy health insurance for yourself then you check out the Lxme app for the same and take one for yourself.

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