- The Indian government has expanded the Ayushman Bharat scheme to provide health insurance for senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or social status.
- Elderly individuals will now receive a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year, with an additional top-up specifically for those over 70.
- This expansion aims to benefit nearly 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens across the country.
What Does This Mean for Elderly Citizens in India?
In a significant move, the Indian government has announced that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will now include health insurance coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above, without any restrictions on income or socio-economic background. This expansion ensures that around 6 crore elderly people will be covered under the scheme, providing them with a free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year.
For families already enrolled in the AB PM-JAY scheme, there’s an additional benefit: senior citizens over 70 years of age will receive an extra top-up of Rs 5 lakh annually, exclusive to them. This means that elderly members of the family will not have to share the cover with other younger family members, ensuring better health support.
Will This Affect Senior Citizens Covered by Other Health Insurance Schemes?
Senior citizens already benefiting from other government schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF have the flexibility to either continue with their existing plans or switch to the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Additionally, individuals with private insurance or those covered under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme can still be eligible for this expanded health cover under Ayushman Bharat.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, already the largest publicly funded health program globally, covers more than 55 crore individuals. The latest expansion aims to enhance healthcare access for the elderly population in India, addressing the growing needs of senior citizens in terms of secondary and tertiary care.
Conclusion: A Major Boost for Elderly Healthcare
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include senior citizens aged 70 and above marks a pivotal step in India’s healthcare landscape. With 5 lakh rupees of free health insurance for the elderly and additional top-up benefits, this initiative will provide much-needed support for medical expenses. As India’s population ages, this move aims to ensure that senior citizens receive the healthcare they deserve, irrespective of their financial or social status.
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