Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29 launched a new health coverage initiative for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Recently approved by the Union Cabinet, this program aims to provide essential health benefits to approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families in India. Eligible seniors will receive a distinct card under the scheme for seamless access to healthcare services.
Senior citizens over 70 from families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will receive an additional annual top-up coverage of ₹5 lakh, specifically for themselves. This amount is separate from the family’s general coverage, meaning they do not share it with younger family members. For other seniors aged 70 and above, the scheme offers ₹5 lakh per family each year.
Additionally, those covered under other health schemes, like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), can choose between their current scheme or AB PM-JAY.
The government has clarified that seniors aged 70 and above with private insurance or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) are eligible for benefits under AB PM-JAY.
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, providing ₹5 lakh annual health coverage for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation to over 55 crore individuals (12.34 crore families) in India. To date, it has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% being female beneficiaries, delivering healthcare benefits worth ₹1 lakh crore.
To enrol in the AB PMJAY Senior Citizen Scheme, senior citizens need only an Aadhaar card.
Since its launch, AB PM-JAY has continued to expand its reach. Initially, it covered 10.74 crore low-income families or about 40% of India’s population. The coverage was expanded in January 2022 to 12 crore families to account for population growth. The scheme also covers 37 lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs and their families. Now, with the addition of health coverage for citizens aged 70 and above, the scheme aims to ensure essential health support for India’s elderly.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
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