The Union Cabinet has taken a significant step to improve healthcare access for senior citizens by expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will extend health insurance coverage to nearly six crore senior citizens. Beneficiaries who are eligible under the scheme will receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually. This move is expected to provide relief and security to around 4.5 crore families nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his approval for the scheme in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that the initiative would ensure high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all Indian citizens, especially senior citizens. “This scheme will ensure dignity, care, and security for six crore citizens,” he said.
Eligibility Criteria for Senior Citizens
Under this newly approved initiative, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the ₹5 lakh health insurance coverage. This amount is provided on a family basis, meaning it covers the entire family under the same policy.
Additionally, senior citizens who are part of families already enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive an extra ₹5 lakh insurance, exclusively for their personal use. This extra coverage will not need to be shared with other family members, ensuring that elderly individuals have the healthcare protection they need.
Another key benefit is that senior citizens who already hold private health insurance can also apply for this scheme. However, those covered by other public health insurance programs—such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or the Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) scheme—must choose between their existing coverage or the benefits offered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
All eligible beneficiaries under this program will be provided with a unique identification card to avail the scheme benefits. This card will streamline the process of accessing healthcare services, making it easier for citizens to get the care they need without bureaucratic delays.
World's Largest Public Health Insurance Program
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is already considered the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme in the world. Currently, it provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family to over 12.34 crore families across India, benefiting approximately 55 crore individuals. The expanded coverage for senior citizens is expected to enhance the scheme's impact by offering an added layer of security and care for India’s aging population. The government's initiative is geared towards ensuring that senior citizens, many of whom may be facing health challenges, receive timely medical attention without the burden of hefty hospital bills.
The new measures reflect the government's commitment to delivering comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare for every Indian, especially those in their golden years. As the program rolls out, millions of senior citizens will now have access to better healthcare services, ensuring they live with dignity and security.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)