The cabinet has approved universal health coverage for senior citizens in a big move to enhance the kind of geriatric care India’s aged receive. It announced on Wednesday that those above 70 years, irrespective of income, will be covered under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The expansion of health insurance coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in April.
- Coverage Overview: This plan provides free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis, benefiting 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens.
- New AB PM-JAY Cards: Eligible senior citizens will receive a new, special card under the AB PM-JAY scheme.
- Additional Coverage for Seniors: Senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are already covered under AB PM-JAY, will receive an extra top-up of up to ₹25 lakh per year.
- Choosing Your Health Insurance: Seniors aged 70 and above who are already using other public health insurance schemes can either keep their current plan or switch to AB PM-JAY.
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 of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves,” a government press release said.
New Measures At A Glance
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 covered by the Employees’ State Insurance schemes.
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