The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, is currently trending across India. With the Union Budget 2026 being presented today, millions of families are looking for updates on health cover limits and eligibility.
The biggest confirmed development so far is the full rollout of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. This new rule has opened the scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income or economic status.
Here is a complete breakdown of what has changed, how the new Vay Vandana Card works, and what the 2026 Budget means for your health insurance.
The Big Update: Universal Cover for Seniors (70+)
In a historic move that is now fully operational, the government has removed the income cap for the elderly. Previously, only poor families listed in the SECC database could avail of PMJAY benefits. Now, every Indian citizen aged 70 or older is eligible for free treatment up to ₹5 Lakh.
Read more: Union Budget 2026 Live
Key Features of the Vay Vandana Card:
- No Income Limit: Whether you are rich, middle-class, or poor, if you are 70+, you qualify.
- Separate Limit: If your family already has an Ayushman card, you (the senior citizen) get an additional top-up of ₹5 Lakh exclusively for yourself. You do not have to share the family’s cover.
- Private & Govt Hospitals: Valid at thousands of empanelled hospitals across India for cashless treatment.
Budget 2026: What is the Buzz?
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026-27 today, the healthcare sector is seeing major announcements.
While the “70+ rule” is already active, experts and reports suggest the government is focusing on:
- Ayurveda Expansion: A new push to set up All India Institutes of Ayurveda and expand coverage for traditional treatments.
- Critical Illness Support: Discussions are high regarding increasing the cover limit beyond ₹5 Lakh for expensive treatments like cancer and organ transplants, though official confirmations are rolling out gradually.
- Age Reduction to 60? There has been strong demand to lower the universal eligibility age from 70 to 60 years. While the 70+ scheme is confirmed (Vay Vandana), citizens are watching closely for any extension to the 60-69 age group in the final budget fine print.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
If you have parents or grandparents aged 70+, you should generate their card immediately. The process is digital and simple.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official website beneficiary.nha.gov.in or use the Ayushman App on your phone.
- Login: Enter your mobile number and verify with the OTP.
- Search Beneficiary: You can now search using the Aadhaar number. The system will automatically verify the age from the Aadhaar database.
- e-KYC: Complete the Aadhaar e-KYC (using OTP or Fingerprint).
- Download: Once approved (often instantly), you can download the distinct “Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.”
Note for CGHS/ECHS Pensioners: If you are already receiving medical benefits under schemes like CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) or ECHS (Ex-Servicemen), you must choose one. You can either keep your existing scheme or switch to Ayushman Bharat; you cannot hold both.
Why This Matters for the Middle Class
For years, the “missing middle” class in India felt left out of government health schemes. Health insurance premiums for seniors (70+) are often extremely high or denied by private insurers due to pre-existing diseases.
This scheme fills that gap. Since PMJAY covers pre-existing diseases from Day 1, middle-class families can now save lakhs of rupees on elderly care, surgeries, and hospitalization without paying heavy insurance premiums.
What Next?
Hospitals are currently updating their systems to accept the new Vay Vandana cards. If you face issues at a hospital desk, you can call the official helpline 14555 to lodge a complaint.
Watch out for further announcements this week as the Ministry of Health clarifies the new Budget allocations for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card free?
Yes, the card generation and the treatment (up to ₹5 Lakh) are completely free. You do not need to pay any agent.
Q2. My father is 72 but pays income tax. Is he eligible?
Yes. The 70+ expansion is for everyone, regardless of income tax status or wealth.
Q3. Can I use this card for OPD (doctor visits)?
No. PMJAY mainly covers hospitalization (in-patient care), surgeries, and day-care procedures. It usually does not cover normal doctor visits (OPD) unless specified in a new update.
Q4. What documents are needed for the card?
You only need a valid Aadhaar Card that shows the age as 70 or above, and a linked mobile number for OTP verification.
Q5. I already have a family Ayushman card. Do I need a new one?
Yes. Seniors 70+ need the specific “Vay Vandana” card to get their own separate ₹5 Lakh wallet, so they don’t exhaust the family’s shared limit.