UP’s new health insurance scheme under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY offers ₹5 lakh coverage for seniors aged 70+, benefiting 4.5 crore families. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card ensures cashless treatment for 2,000+ medical procedures, covering pre-existing conditions from day one. Seniors can choose between existing schemes or AB PM-JAY, with over ₹40 crore in treatments availed since October 2024.
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Healthcare for Seniors with Expanded Ayushman Bharat Scheme
In a significant move to enhance healthcare access for senior citizens, Uttar Pradesh has rolled out an expanded version of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), specifically targeting those aged 70 and above. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024, this initiative provides free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, benefiting approximately 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens across India. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme is poised to transform healthcare for the elderly, ensuring financial protection against rising medical costs.
The cornerstone of this expansion is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, a distinct card issued to eligible senior citizens. This card enables cashless treatment for around 2,000 medical procedures, covering secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Notably, the scheme includes coverage for pre-existing diseases from the first day, eliminating waiting periods that often hinder timely treatment. Since its launch, over 22,000 seniors have availed treatments worth more than ₹40 crore for conditions such as coronary angioplasty, hip fracture/replacement, cataract surgery, and stroke, among others.
Seniors already enrolled in other public health schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), face a choice: continue with their existing plan or opt for AB PM-JAY. Additionally, those covered by private health insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme are also eligible, making the program inclusive regardless of socio-economic status. This flexibility ensures that seniors in Uttar Pradesh, whether in urban centers like Lucknow or rural areas, can access quality healthcare without financial strain.
Enrollment is streamlined through multiple channels, including the official AB PM-JAY website (pmjay.gov.in), the Ayushman Bharat mobile app, or by visiting empanelled hospitals. A senior Health Ministry official emphasized that a valid Aadhaar number is required, with face authentication available to simplify the process. The scheme’s pilot phase, launched in late 2024, has addressed initial technical glitches, ensuring smoother registration for UP’s elderly population.
However, challenges remain. Some top private hospitals, such as Fortis and Max, are not fully empanelled under AB PM-JAY, potentially limiting access to advanced care in certain regions. Rural seniors may also face hurdles in navigating the digital enrollment process, necessitating family or community support. Despite these, the scheme’s benefits—tax deductions under Section 80D (up to ₹50,000) and coverage for critical illnesses—make it a vital tool for financial security.
The initiative aligns with broader healthcare trends in India, where the elderly population is projected to reach 319 million by 2050, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. With only 20% of seniors currently insured, UP’s adoption of this scheme addresses a critical gap, particularly for those with chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. For families and NRIs supporting elderly relatives, combining AB PM-JAY with private plans can ensure comprehensive coverage, especially in areas with limited empanelled hospitals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government press releases from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and insights from healthcare industry sources. Information is accurate as of September 2, 2025, and subject to updates. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels like pmjay.gov.in.