Healthcare is a crucial aspect of life, and government schemes play a significant role in ensuring access to medical services for all. In Delhi, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has been a long-awaited initiative. While the Ayushman Card has been around since 2018, the recently introduced Ayushman Vy Vandana Card in 2024 has added a new dimension to health benefits for senior citizens. But what are the differences between these two cards, and which one is more beneficial for residents of Delhi? Let’s explore.
Ayushman Card: An Overview
The Ayushman Card was launched in 2018 as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. It aims to provide financial support to low-income families for medical expenses.
Key Features of Ayushman Card
- Provides health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
- Applicable in both government and private hospitals.
- Covers pre-existing diseases and critical illnesses.
- Cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals.
- Eligibility based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
- Available across 34 states and Union Territories.
Eligibility for Ayushman Card
Not everyone can avail of the Ayushman Card. There are specific conditions that applicants must meet:
- Belonging to low-income families as per SECC 2011.
- No government job or high income.
- No personal four-wheeler.
- Living in a kutcha house or having an annual income below Rs 10,000.
Since these conditions restrict many middle-class and higher-income individuals, many people in Delhi have not been able to benefit from this scheme.
Ayushman Vy Vandana Card: A Special Initiative for Senior Citizens
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Ayushman Vy Vandana Card in 2024 as a healthcare scheme specifically for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Key Features of Ayushman Vy Vandana Card
- Provides Rs 5 lakh in medical coverage.
- Additional Rs 5 lakh coverage for critical illnesses.
- Available to any senior citizen aged 70+, regardless of income.
- No eligibility conditions related to income or occupation.
- Accepted in all empaneled hospitals under AB-PMJAY.
- Only Delhi residents with a valid Aadhaar card can apply.
Eligibility for Ayushman Vy Vandana Card
Unlike the Ayushman Card, this scheme has minimal restrictions. The only condition is that the applicant must be aged 70 years or above. Whether they are retired government employees, businesspersons, or from any financial background, they are eligible.
Comparison: Ayushman Card vs. Ayushman Vy Vandana Card
| Feature | Ayushman Card | Ayushman Vy Vandana Card |
|---|---|---|
| Year Launched | 2018 | 2024 |
| Target Beneficiaries | Low-income families | Senior citizens (70+) |
| Coverage Amount | Rs 5 lakh per family | Rs 5 lakh + additional Rs 5 lakh for critical cases |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on SECC 2011 | Open to all senior citizens (70+) |
| Income Restrictions | Yes | No |
| Hospitals Covered | Government and private | Government and private |
| Cashless Treatment | Yes | Yes |
| Geographical Coverage | Pan-India | Delhi only |
Which Card is More Beneficial for Delhiites?
Delhi residents have faced long delays in implementing Ayushman Bharat. With the recent introduction of the Ayushman Vy Vandana Card, senior citizens finally have access to better healthcare benefits. But which card is more beneficial?
For Low-Income Families
- The Ayushman Card is the better option as it provides financial relief to families who cannot afford medical expenses.
- However, many people in Delhi are excluded due to income and asset conditions.
For Senior Citizens
- The Ayushman Vy Vandana Card is a significant advantage for elderly residents.
- It is especially useful for middle-class and upper-middle-class families who do not qualify for Ayushman Card but need medical support.
- Offers higher coverage (Rs 10 lakh in total), which is beneficial for critical illnesses and hospitalization expenses.
Conclusion
While both cards fall under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, their target beneficiaries are different. The Ayushman Card is ideal for economically weaker families, whereas the Ayushman Vy Vandana Card is a boon for senior citizens in Delhi, providing them with much-needed financial security for healthcare. If you or your family members qualify for either scheme, applying for it can ensure better medical treatment and financial stability.
