AB PM-JAY 70+
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY — Senior Citizens 70+ (Vaya Vandana)
The AB PM-JAY Senior Citizens expansion (announced in Union Budget 2024–25 and operationalised in phases from October 2023) extends Ayushman Bharat to every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above — irrespective of income level. Previously, PM-JAY was only for the bottom 40% (SECC 2011 criteria). Now, even upper-income senior citizens — who may be privately insured but face catastrophic medical costs — get ₹5 lakh annual health cover at empanelled hospitals. For families already covered under PM-JAY: the senior citizen member gets an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover (separate from the family's ₹5 lakh). The senior citizen receives a special 'Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card'. This expansion targets 6 crore+ senior citizens.
Key Objectives
- Provide ₹5 lakh annual health cover to all 6 crore+ senior citizens aged 70+.
- Protect the elderly from catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure.
- Extend PM-JAY coverage beyond SECC 2011 families to universal senior citizen coverage.
Benefits
Eligibility
- ALL Indian citizens aged 70 years and above
- NO income restriction — general category, OBC, SC/ST all eligible
- Existing PM-JAY family members get additional ₹5 lakh top-up for 70+ members
- Those with private insurance still eligible for PM-JAY 70+ simultaneously
How to Apply
Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or call 14555 to check eligibility
Register with Aadhaar and proof of age (birth certificate/Aadhaar showing age 70+)
Visit nearest Ayushman Mitra at any empanelled hospital or Common Service Centre
Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card generated — use at any empanelled hospital for cashless treatment
Required Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
I am 72 years old and I am not below the poverty line. Am I eligible for PM-JAY 70+?
Yes — the 70+ expansion has no income restriction. Every Indian citizen aged 70 or above is eligible, regardless of income, occupation, or existing private health insurance. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or call 14555 to register and get your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
My family already has PM-JAY coverage. Does my 75-year-old father get extra cover?
Yes. A 75-year-old family member in a PM-JAY household gets an ADDITIONAL ₹5 lakh top-up cover — separate from the family's existing ₹5 lakh. So in a hospitalisation year, the family can use: ₹5 lakh (family cover) + ₹5 lakh (70+ individual cover for the senior member) = ₹10 lakh total.