How Many Ayushman Cards Have Been Issued for Senior Citizens Over 70 by December?
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Synopsis
The Ayushman Bharat scheme has made a significant impact on senior citizens in India, with over 93 lakh Ayushman cards issued for those over 70. This initiative provides essential health coverage, ensuring that elderly citizens have access to necessary medical care. Discover the details and implications of this government program.
Key Takeaways
- 93 lakh Ayushman cards distributed for seniors over 70.
- Scheme provides Rs. 5 lakh health coverage annually.
- Open to all seniors, regardless of economic status.
- Expansion includes new treatment options and hospitals.
- Significant impact on healthcare access for the elderly.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Over 93 lakh Ayushman cards have been distributed to senior citizens aged 70 years and older as of December, under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) initiative, as stated by the government in Parliament on Friday.
The AB-PMJAY scheme is a key program by the Government that offers a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations to 12 crore families, representing the economically vulnerable bottom 40 percent of India’s population.
In October 2024, the program was broadened to include free health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per year for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic conditions.
“As of December 5, 2025, over 93 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued across all States and Union Territories,” said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.
He added that “a total of 7.89 lakh hospital admissions costing Rs 1,741 crore were authorized under the Ayushman Vay Vandana category across the implementing States/UTs” until October 2025.
The scheme encompasses 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above from 4.5 crore families, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
Furthermore, Jadhav highlighted the expansion in treatment options, which includes the addition of new procedures, the empanelment of new hospitals, the inclusion of more beneficiaries, and other enhancements based on ongoing requirements.
Earlier, the Minister noted that by October 31, “over 42.31 crore Ayushman cards have been generated under the program.”
“As of October 31, a total of 2.02 crore claims amounting to Rs 28,732.18 crore have been settled in the previous financial year,” he continued.
In March 2024, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include 37 lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Anganwadi Helpers (AWH), and their families.
“More than 41.34 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued for the ASHA/AWW/AWH categories, and 89.51 lakh cards have been issued under the Ayushman Vay Vandana category for senior citizens,” Jadhav concluded.
Point of View
The issuance of Ayushman cards to senior citizens signifies a crucial step towards ensuring healthcare access for the vulnerable elderly population. This initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also highlights the government's commitment to supporting the socio-economic welfare of its citizens.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a government initiative that provides health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations.
Who is eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana cards?
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana cards, regardless of their socio-economic status.
How many hospital admissions have been authorized under the scheme?
As of October 2025, a total of 7.89 lakh hospital admissions amounting to Rs 1,741 crore were authorized under the Ayushman Vay Vandana category.
What changes were made to the eligibility criteria in March 2024?
In March 2024, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include 37 lakh ASHA, AWW, AWH workers and their families.
How many Ayushman cards have been issued so far?
As of December 2025, over 93 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
