According to a United Nations report, by 2050, the proportion of elderly individuals will reach 20.8%, totaling 347 million. Furthermore, healthcare inflation has reached 14%, raising concerns about how the elderly with limited financial resources manage their medical expenses. Source: Times of India
In such times, the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card is a true blessing. The goal is to reduce medical costs for seniors and ensure timely care without financial strain.
On October 29, the Prime Minister launched the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card, providing affordable healthcare to seniors over 70. As of November 17th, 35,45,10,568 cards had been successfully generated within a few weeks of its launch.
So, if you want to enroll in the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card but are unsure where to begin, we have you covered. This guide will walk you through the process and explain the scheme’s pros and cons, allowing you to make the most of this valuable resource.
This card includes everything from regular health check-ups to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests, as well as pre-and post-hospitalization care for up to 15 days. It provides insurance coverage of 5 lacs to its beneficiaries, regardless of income level, from poor to rich.
Understanding the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
This initiative is part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated on September 23, 2018.
Here’s how it works: When you have the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card, you can visit participating hospitals and clinics to receive quality care. It helps cover costs that would otherwise be out-of-pocket, making sure you get the medical attention you need when you need it.
This scheme offers the following services-
- Medical examinations, treatment, and consultations
- Pre-hospitalisation expenses
- Medicine and medical consumables
- Non-intensive and intensive care services
- Diagnostic and laboratory investigations
- Medical implantation services
- Accommodation and food services
- Treatment complications
- Up to 15 days of post-hospitalisation follow-up care
Key Features and Benefits of the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
Let’s break down the highlights of what makes the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card so special:
1. Comprehensive Coverage: This card offers a wide range of medical services, such as regular check-ups, consultations, implants, diagnostic tests, and more. It ensures that you receive the necessary healthcare at a reasonable cost.
2. Affordability: One of the main benefits is its cost-effectiveness. The card makes accessing quality healthcare more affordable, helping you save on medical expenses.
3. Wide Network of Hospitals: This card lets you visit various participating hospitals and clinics. Currently, are 30,745 hospitals enrolled in the program, comprising private and government facilities. This means you have many options for receiving the best care close to home.
4. Easy Access: Using the card is simple. Present it to any participating healthcare providers, and you can avail yourself of the services covered under the scheme.
5. Preventive Health: The card encourages regular health check-ups, helping you catch potential health issues early before they become serious.
6. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare gives you peace of mind. You can focus on living your life without worrying about unexpected medical bills.
The Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card is designed to make elderly healthcare more accessible, affordable, and stress-free.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
To qualify for the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card, here’s what you need to know:
- Residents of India, except Delhi and West Bengal, are not entitled to enroll in this scheme.
- Residents of these states or districts where model code of conduct is enforced are temporarily excluded from the eligibility list- Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and some districts of Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Punjab
A step-by-step guide to applying for the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
- Ensure you have your Aadhaar card, proof of income, and address proof ready.
- Go to Ayushman Vayu Vandana official portal (https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/)
- Your Aadhaar number will be displayed on the next screen. Click on ‘Verify’ and then enter the One-Time Password you received on your phone from UIDAI and NHA.
- Skip the top widget options for the scheme, state, sub-scheme, and district.
- Locate the PMJAY enrollment section specifically for senior citizens and click on “Click here to enroll.
- Select ‘Fresh Enrollment’ to start the e-KYC process.
- Your Aadhaar number will appear on the next page. Click ‘Verify’. Enter the OTP sent to your phone from UIDAI and NHA.
- Indicate whether you have any existing health insurance. If not, choose ‘None of the Above’.
- Your Aadhaar details, including your photo, will be displayed. If required, take a new photo using your camera.
- Provide details for any additional family members and their Aadhaar numbers. Add extra mobile numbers if necessary.
- Review and click ‘Submit’ to complete the application.
- After 15 minutes, you can download your Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card by entering your UID number and captcha on the portal.
Pros of Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
| Pros | Description |
| Affordable Healthcare | Free comprehensive insurance coverage up to 5 Lacs for 70 plus at the family level. |
| Wide Coverage | Offers a broad range of medical services, including regular check-ups, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests. |
| Extensive Network | No waiting period, and pre-existing diseases coverage from day one |
| Preventive Care | No waiting period, and pre-existing disease coverage from day one |
| Co-payment Obligations | No Co-payment obligations are to be borne by the beneficiaries. This means no treatment expenses to be borne by the senior citizens. |
Cons of of Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card
| Cons | Description |
| Coverage Limits | Rs. 5 lacs per family per annum coverage may not meet the entire family’s medical needs. |
| Limited Reimbursements | No reimbursements if treatment is taken outside of the network hospitals |
| Network Limitations | Not all specialized hospitals and doctors may be part of the network, which could limit access in certain regions. |
| Limited Coverage | This scheme only covers general ward admissions. This means they may be more expensive if you choose private rooms. |
| Less Flexible | This scheme only covers general ward admissions. This means that if you choose private rooms, they may be more expensive. |
The Key Takeaways
The Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card is a significant step towards making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all. Its comprehensive coverage and numerous benefits ensure that the elderly receive the medical care they require without incurring a financial burden.
However, you should reconsider if you intend to continue using the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card as your primary health insurance. Its limited scope and restrictions make it less feasible.
Still, this scheme is an excellent initiative for the poorest members of society with limited access to quality treatments. But if you can afford better health insurance, treat it as a backup plan only. As we age, our vulnerability to chronic diseases, organ transplants, and surgeries increases, necessitating constant medical attention and care, which may not be adequate under this scheme.
So, it would be best to decide based on your financial resources and health status. However, this scheme is a must-have if you have elderly family members not currently covered by health insurance plans. Choose wisely!
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FAQ
How do you track your application status?
To track the status of your Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card application, follow these steps:
Visit the official Ayushman Vayu Vandana website.
Access the portal by entering your registered mobile number and the OTP.
Navigate to the ‘Application Status’ section.
Provide your application ID or Aadhaar number to check the status. This will display the current progress of your application and any further steps needed.What to do if your application is rejected?
If your application for the Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card is rejected, here’s what you can do:
Review the Rejection Reason: Check the details in the rejection notice to understand why your application was denied.
Correct the Issues: Ensure all the required documents and information are accurate and up-to-date.
Reapply: You can submit a new application with the corrected information.
Contact Support: You can call the helpline number 14555 for further clarification or assistance.How do you use your card for medical services?
Using your Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card for medical services is straightforward:
Locate a participating hospital or clinic in the scheme’s network.
Present your Ayushman Vayu Vandana Card at the registration desk.
Access the covered medical services, including consultations, check-ups, and diagnostic tests.
The costs for these services will be covered by the scheme, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.
