The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a health coverage plan of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This landmark decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday, is set to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families across India, providing financial relief for healthcare expenses. Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: All citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income or socio-economic status, will be eligible for this health coverage under AB PM-JAY.
• Additional Top-up: Those already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will receive an additional ₹5 lakh per year exclusively for senior citizens in their families.
• Flexibility: Senior citizens covered by other health insurance schemes can choose to remain with their existing plan or shift to AB PM-JAY.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme Overview: The Ayushman Bharat scheme is the world's largest government-funded health assurance initiative, offering ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year for hospitalizations related to secondary and tertiary care. Covering over 55 crore individuals from 12.34 crore families, the scheme has already facilitated more than 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with beneficiaries receiving healthcare worth ₹1 lakh crore. The government aims to ease the burden of healthcare costs, especially for the elderly, through this extended coverage under AB PM-JAY.