In a landmark move set to redefine public healthcare in India, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has just been expanded to include all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income. This transformative initiative now offers a generous ₹5 lakh annual health coverage. It’s a step towards securing the well-being of India’s rapidly growing senior population.
Ayushman Bharat Extends ₹5 Lakh Health Coverage To All Age 70+ Citizens
Under the existing AB PM-JAY scheme, ₹5 lakh annual health coverage is provided to eligible low-income families. It covers about 40% of the economically weakest population. The new extension will not shift the focus to the elderly population as a whole. Regardless of income, all citizens aged 70 and above will now receive ₹5 lakh annual health coverage.
This move is aimed at offering much-needed financial relief to India’s ageing population. It will help senior citizens to manage steep medical bills for treatments, medications, and therapies. The scheme provides shared health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for those aged 70 and above. If there are two or more senior citizens in a household, the coverage will be distributed among them.
As per the Indian Express reports, the beneficiaries of this expanded offer are the senior citizens who fall into one of two categories:
- Those belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up.
- All other citizens aged 70 and above, including those who may be under private health insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI).
Importantly, individuals already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes will have the option to either continue with their existing policies or shift to the AB PM-JAY scheme.
India’s Senior Citizens Get A Lifeline
Given India’s rapidly ageing population, this new healthcare safety net arrives at a critical juncture. Health coverage for this demographic is currently very low, estimated at just 20%. The expansion of the scheme seeks to fill that gap by offering significant relief to the elderly.
The government’s initial outlay for the expanded scheme will be ₹3,437 crore, as per the Indian Express reports. It is also designed to scale based on demand. For states in hilly or northeastern regions, the Centre will reportedly bear up to 90% of the cost, with other states shouldering 40%.
By offering comprehensive healthcare coverage, this scheme certainly aims to mitigate the high cost of managing age-related illnesses.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.