Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme Expanded to Cover Elderly Above 70

New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance geriatric healthcare, the Union Cabinet has approved an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens across India.

Key Features of the Expansion:

• Universal Health Coverage: The new plan provides free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
• Distinct Cards: Eligible senior citizens will receive a new, distinct card under the AB PM-JAY scheme to access these benefits.
• Additional Coverage: For those already covered under AB PM-JAY, an extra top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per year will be provided exclusively for the senior citizens in their families.
• Options for Existing Policyholders: Seniors covered by other public health insurance schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can either continue with their existing plan or opt for AB PM-JAY. Private health insurance holders or those covered by the Employees’ State Insurance scheme are also eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

Background and Implications:

The expansion was initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2024 and aims to provide extensive healthcare support to the elderly population, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving geriatric care in India. AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. Since its inception, the scheme has covered 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families and facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of beneficiaries being women.

Additional Insights:

• Geriatric Care Focus: The initiative addresses the growing need for comprehensive healthcare services for the elderly, aiming to enhance their quality of life.
• Public and Private Insurance Integration: By integrating with existing public and private insurance schemes, the expansion offers flexible options for senior citizens to access healthcare benefits.

The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is a significant step in ensuring that elderly citizens receive the medical care they need, reflecting a broader commitment to healthcare reform and social welfare.

News by Hindi Patrika