Ayushman Vay Vandana, the free hospital cover for every Indian aged 70 and above, completed two years on 29 October 2026. In that time it has paid for 23.46 lakh hospital admissions, worth Rs 5,668.80 crore, according to official data shared by the Union Health Ministry.
What the scheme offers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme on 29 October 2024. It extends Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, whatever their income. It is run by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Who is eligible: every Indian aged 70 or above, regardless of income.
- Cover: up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care.
- Top-up: seniors aged 70+ in families already covered by AB PM-JAY get an extra Rs 5 lakh a year for themselves, separate from younger family members.
- Target group: about 6 crore senior citizens in about 4.5 crore families.
What older people used it for
The figures below are as of 20 October 2026.
- Cataract surgery was the most common treatment: 4.71 lakh procedures, about 20.1% of all authorised treatments.
- Chronic haemodialysis came second, with about 2.90 lakh treatments.
- Angioplasty (PTCA), which opens blocked heart arteries, had the largest value: about Rs 649 crore.
- Other major treatments included knee replacement, COPD flare-ups, fever-related illness and kidney failure.
What this means for older Indians and families
The numbers show that the biggest needs of people over 70 are eyesight, kidney care and heart care. A cataract operation or regular dialysis can drain a family’s savings. Under this scheme, eligible seniors can get these treatments at empanelled hospitals without paying from their own pocket, within the Rs 5 lakh limit.
About 6 crore people are eligible. If a parent or grandparent is 70 or older and does not yet have a Vay Vandana card, it is worth checking with the National Health Authority or your nearest empanelled hospital. Families already on PM-JAY should note that the 70+ member gets their own separate top-up.
Has this scheme helped someone in your family? Share your story with us at Share Your Story or email info@healthyageing.world. Hospitals, NGOs and companies working with seniors can partner with us.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice.
Sources: ThePrint / PTI, 29 October 2026; Medical Buyer, 30 October 2026; APAC News Network, 30 October 2026; National Health Authority.
