Know about free health insurance for citizens above 70 years

With no restriction on income, Ayushman Vaya Vandana card is universal and senior citizens can receive free treatment in hospitals, both public and private

- UMA KANNAN

NOW, every senior citizen who is above 70 years will be eligible for an Ayushman Vaya Vandana (AVV) Card. PM Narendra Modi last week launched the much-awaited Ayushman Bharat health insurance for senior citizens aged 70 and above.

This is an expansion of health coverage under AB PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), and under this scheme, these senior citizens are eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.

What are its benefits? Aayush Dubey, Co-Founder and Head of Research, Beshak.org, lists out the following benefits:

● Free hospital treatment: This card allows senior citizens aged 70+ years to access cashless hospitalization, ensuring they receive essential medical care without financial strain.

● Universal eligibility: Regardless of income level, any senior citizen aged 70 years and above is eligible for this benefit. It’s open to all, whether from low, middle, or upper-income backgrounds.

● Shared family coverage: In cases where multiple elderly individuals reside in the same household, the coverage limit of ₹5 lakh can be utilized by all qualifying members.