In a significant step towards universal healthcare, the Indian government has extended health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all citizens aged 70 and above. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will now provide free health insurance worth Rs 5 lakh per year to approximately 4.5 crore families, benefiting over 6 crore senior citizens.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, offering Rs 5 lakh coverage per family per year for hospitalisation costs. It covers 12.34 crore families, providing critical financial protection for healthcare needs, especially for secondary and tertiary care. To date, the scheme has facilitated over 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of beneficiaries being women.
New Health Insurance Benefits for Senior Citizens Above 70
As part of the recent expansion:
- All citizens aged 70 and above are now eligible for AB PM-JAY, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
- Eligible seniors will receive a distinct AB PM-JAY card, granting them access to the scheme’s benefits.
- Seniors who are already part of other health schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), can choose between their existing plans or opt for the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Top-Up Cover for Senior Citizens
For those who are part of families already covered under AB PM-JAY:
Seniors aged 70 and above will get an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up exclusively for themselves, separate from the family cover. This ensures their health needs are fully covered without impacting the coverage available to other family members below the age of 70.
Expanding Health Coverage for the Elderly
This expansion follows a series of initiatives by the government to broaden the scope of Ayushman Bharat. Initially aimed at the bottom 40% of India’s population, the scheme has gradually expanded to cover more vulnerable groups. In January 2022, the coverage was revised to include 12 crore families based on population growth data. Additionally, 37 lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs along with their families have been brought under the scheme’s umbrella.
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Why This Matters
The expansion of Ayushman Bharat to cover all individuals aged 70 and above addresses a crucial need for the ageing population. With healthcare costs rising, especially for the elderly, this move ensures financial protection for millions of senior citizens across the country.
