'Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme now covers individuals above 70': Modi 3.0 fulfills major campaign promise
The cabinet has approved universal health coverage for senior citizens, a significant move to enhance the level of geriatric care received by India’s elderly.govt-approves-universal-health-coverage-for-citizens-over-70-years-under-ayushman-bharat-scheme
Arpit Pattnaik
The cabinet has approved universal health coverage for senior citizens in a significant move to improve the quality of geriatric care in India. It was announced on Wednesday that individuals above 70 years of age, regardless of income, will be covered under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The extension of health insurance coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April. This initiative aims to provide free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family to approximately 4.5 crore families, benefiting around 6 crore senior citizens.
"All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens will be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. The senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves," a government press release said.
Senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis. Those already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), may either continue with their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
The new measures will also cover seniors with private health insurance policies or those covered by the Employees’ State Insurance schemes.
