Ayushman Card: 70+ Senior Citizens Can Now Get Rs 5 Lakh Free Medical Cover Via App; How To Apply?
Last Updated:
The central government has simplified access to free medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh per year for senior citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
In a significant step toward universal healthcare, the central government has simplified the process for senior citizens aged 70 years and above to access free medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh per year. As part of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card can now be applied for directly through the Ayushman App, making high-quality healthcare more accessible to India's elderly population.
What Is Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a special health ID card under the flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. It aims to provide comprehensive free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually per family at empanelled public and private hospitals across India. This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, is the world's largest government-funded health assurance scheme, covering over 55 crore people, or nearly 40 per cent of India's vulnerable population.
'Senior citizens aged 70 and above can now get their Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through the Ayushman App and access Rs 5 lakh of free treatment. Watch this video to learn how to create Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and unlock essential healthcare benefits," the Ministry of Health said in a post on X on May 25, 2025.
From October 29, 2024, all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income or social background, have become eligible for this benefit, marking a historic expansion of the scheme.
Why This Matters
Healthcare costs are a major burden for senior citizens, especially those without regular income or insurance. By simplifying the application process and expanding coverage, this move enhances Ease of Access, Affordability, and Assurance — the three pillars of Ayushman Bharat.
As per government data, a total of 65,97,096 applications have been received. Out of this, 64,96,101 have already been approved. While 96,203 are pending, a total of 4,792 applications have been rejected for various reasons. A total of 434 cards have been distributed.
States with the highest number of applications include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
Who Can Apply?
Note: Income is not a barrier. Even if you are not from the Economically Weaker Section, you are still eligible as long as you are 70 or older.
Documents Needed
How to Apply for Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
You can apply through two simple ways: via mobile app or the official website.
Apply via Ayushman App (Mobile Method)
Download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store.
Open the app and log in as Beneficiary.
Enter your mobile number and captcha, then verify via OTP.
Select 'Enrollment for 70+'.
Enter Aadhaar details, complete e-KYC.
Fill in the required details and upload a photo.
Submit the form.
Your Ayushman Card will be available for download within minutes.
Apply via Official Website
Visit the Ayushman Bharat website.
Enter your mobile number and captcha, log in via OTP.
Click the 'Enrollment for Senior Citizens (70+)' banner.
Enter Aadhaar number – complete e-KYC via OTP/biometrics.
Fill in details, give consent, upload a live photo.
Submit the form. Card will be ready to download in 15-20 minutes.
Need Help?
If you face issues while applying, call the toll-free helplines:
14555
1800-11-0770
Available 24×7 across India.
Why You Should Apply Now
This card can save lakhs in medical bills. Whether it's heart surgery, dialysis, cancer treatment, or any other critical care, being enrolled in PM-JAY ensures senior citizens receive timely treatment without financial stress.
Given the high number of pending applications and limited card distribution so far, it is recommended to apply early and secure your healthcare coverage.
Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
Ayushman Bharat
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 26, 2025, 11:22 IST
News business » economy Ayushman Card: 70+ Senior Citizens Can Now Get Rs 5 Lakh Free Medical Cover Via App; How To Apply?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
32 minutes ago
- India Today
How animal bite deaths hit MP villagers even after rabies vaccination
A spate of deaths has hit a group of mostly tribal people who had assembled for a wedding at Limbai village in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district, spreading panic. Six people have died since early May—the last one on June 2—after being bitten by an animal suspected to be a rabid morning on May 5, an animal bit 17 people sleeping outside their homes in Limbai, located some 45 km from Barwani town. The victims, some of whom had come from other villages for a wedding, described the animal as resembling a search was launched but the animal was never traced, until on June 4 when forest department staff found the remains of an animal, with its legs tied, in a dry well near the village.'We suspect the remains are that of a jackal. The animal was perhaps caught, killed and thrown into the well. We have sent the remains for a lab test,' said Ashish Bansod, divisional forest officer, Barwani. Three people died on May 23, one each on May 27 and June 1 and another person on June 2. All of them had been administered anti-rabies vaccines immediately after being bit. Three heads of cattle also died after being bitten by the families of the deceased have been paid Rs 8 lakh each as compensation, informed could have caused the deaths even after vaccines were administered? The district administration has sent samples of the vaccines for tests. Samples and swabs drawn from the deceased have also been sent for tests to ascertain if the fatalities were indeed caused by rabies.'If not stored properly or if the cold chain is broken, the efficacy of drugs may reduce. At times, if the schedule of injections is not followed, efficacy goes down as well,' said Dr Avinash Dube, a medical remaining 11 people who suffered bites are under observation at medical facilities, including the MY Hospital at divisional headquarters Indore. 'There is panic among the affected since the deaths happened even after taking the vaccine shots,' said a family to India Today Magazine
News18
36 minutes ago
- News18
81,000 Vials, Rs 24 Crore In 3 Months: Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Sales Triple As Patients Shift To Higher Dose
With three months since its launch in India, according to latest Pharmatrac data, Mounjaro clocked Rs 12.6 crore in sales in May 2025—a threefold increase from March In a sign of rising adoption, sales of Mounjaro—the breakthrough weight loss and type 2 diabetes drug—have nearly tripled in the last two months, data shows. American drugmaker Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro in India on March 20, triggering immediate frenzy, especially among those looking to achieve weight loss and glucose control. Doctors told News18 they were flooded with requests from patients eager to start Mounjaro or learn more about its benefits. With three months since its launch in India, according to latest Pharmatrac data, Mounjaro clocked Rs 12.6 crore in sales in May 2025—a threefold increase from March. The higher dosage form of five milligram, in particular, more than doubled in value and quantity sales between April and May, indicating a strong trend of patient progression to the next stage of treatment. As per the medical protocol, patients start with lower dosage of 2.5 milligram weekly dose and upgrade to 5 milligram after four weeks. 'This clinical shift is clearly reflected in market numbers. Five mg pack sales jumped from Rs 3.08 crore in April to Rs 7.53 crore in May, while unit sales rose from over 9,300 to over 22,900," Sheetal Sapale, vice-president (commercial), Pharmatrac, told News18. 'Looking at these trends and the acceptance of this therapy—by physicians as well as patients—along with the affordable pricing of Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000 per month dosage indicates a definite pick up in consumption." The total market for Mounjaro has reached Rs 23.94 crore over the past three months, selling more than 81,000 vials of the drug—signalling growing adoption in diabetes care protocols. According to Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, clinical use of Mounjaro in India closely reflects the trends observed in the data. 'A substantial number of patients are being initiated at 2.5 mg, with a timely escalation to 5 mg in line with recommended protocols. This pattern suggests good tolerability and early clinical efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction." Misra told News18: 'With growing familiarity and broader access, increased use of higher doses (7.5 mg and above) is likely, especially in patients requiring enhanced metabolic outcomes." The injectable drug is approved by India's apex drug regulatory body, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection priced at Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial and Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial, making the monthly expenditure around Rs 14,000-Rs 17,500. The drug is claimed to be 80 per cent cheaper than in the United States. Entry-Level Dosage Sales Plateau Mounjaro, the brand name for Tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable, is a first-in-class medication that combines the effects of two naturally occurring hormones: GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). Data shows that the 2.5mg dose of Mounjaro—generally prescribed as the starting regimen for type 2 diabetes patients or those looking to shed weight—has shown signs of 'plateauing growth". This trend confirms a gradual shift to higher doses. The sales value for the 2.5 mg injection rose marginally from Rs 4.80 crore in April to Rs 5.08 crore in May, after a steeper increase from Rs 1.42 crore in March. The data shows that the unit sales also reflect this trend, increasing from 5,400 in March to 18,270 in April, but only marginally to 19,350 in May. While the 2.5 mg variant remains essential for entry-level patient initiation, its month-on-month growth may continue to taper off as the patient base matures and advances to the next phase of dosing.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Rs 111.5 crore sanctioned for Mangalagiri-Tadepalli drinking water system in Andhra Pradesh
GUNTUR: In a significant push to urban infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned an additional Rs 111.5 crore to strengthen the drinking water supply system in the Mangalagiri-Tadepalli Municipal Corporation (MTMC), represented by Minister Nara Lokesh. Administrative approval was issued by Special Chief Secretary S Suresh Kumar of the Urban Development Department. The new funding is part of a comprehensive project to ensure safe and uninterrupted drinking water supply. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 450.24 crore was earlier prepared to serve 21 villages. Of this, RS 287.54 crore was sanctioned under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) and Rs 51.20 crore under AMRUT 2.0. With 15 additional villages now merged into MTMC, the latest allocation will be used to lay pipelines and construct storage tanks. Funds will be routed through the CRDA, with implementation overseen by the Chief Engineer of the Public Health and Municipal Engineering Department. Several major infrastructure projects are underway in the MTMC region. A Rs 1,138 crore underground drainage (UGD) project covering 540 km—excluding six capital villages—is in the pipeline to improve sanitation and waste management. Additionally, a Rs 137 crore stormwater drainage system is planned to address urban flooding. In healthcare, a foundation stone has been laid for a Rs 47 crore, 100-bed hospital in Mangalagiri. The facility will house a dialysis unit, de-addiction centre, and modern outpatient and inpatient services. These developments signal a major transformation for the MTMC, placing the region on a firm path of urban growth and improved quality of life.
