Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29 introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card (AVV) to provide free healthcare for senior citizens above the age of 70. Under this extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), beneficiaries will receive healthcare cover of up to ₹5 lakh per household annually, regardless of income. 

A first-of-its kind initiative, the AVV card is aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of India's growing elderly population. 

"This card ensures our elderly need no longer fear high healthcare costs; they can live with swabhimaan," Modi said, emphasising the importance of affordable healthcare for seniors while launching healthcare projects worth ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda. 

Key features

The AVV card provides each household with an annual coverage of ₹5 lakh for members over 70. 

Beneficiaries may access treatment at both government and private hospitals.

While it is an extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for low-income families, the AVV card is a distinct entity with no limitations based on income. 

Registration via the PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app is required to activate the new card, with eKYC verification mandatory. 

The new card is expected to cover nearly 6 crore people from 4.5 crore families — except in Delhi and West Bengal, where the state governments are yet to introduce the scheme. 

Implications for India’s Ageing Population

AVV coverage is expected to cost the exchequer ₹3,437 crore for the current fiscal year. However, with India’s senior citizens — recorded 8.6% of the population in 2011 and expected to rise to 19.5% by 2050 — the AVV card reflects a strategic shift to provide dedicated healthcare for this demographic. 

Under the expanded scheme, beneficiaries under CGHS, ECHS, and ESIC schemes to either retain their plans or access Ayushman Bharat. 

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