North News
New Delhi, September 11
In a significant step toward expanding healthcare access, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The decision is set to benefit approximately 6 crore senior citizens, providing them with a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. Today, the Cabinet has expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to cover all citizens above 70 years, ensuring dignity, care, and security to 6 crore senior citizens.”
Key Features of the Expansion:
- Universal Coverage: All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits, regardless of socio-economic status. New distinct cards will be issued to these citizens.
- Additional Top-Up: Those already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh annually, which they do not have to share with younger family members.
- Public and Private Insurance: Seniors already benefiting from schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or private health insurance can choose between their current plan or the AB PM-JAY.
- Global Benchmark: AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, covering 12.34 crore families and providing ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Since its launch, the scheme has facilitated over 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with women making up 49% of the beneficiaries. To date, the public has saved over ₹1 lakh crore through this scheme. This new expansion is a further step in realizing Modi’s vision of healthcare for all, especially for the most vulnerable segments of society.
The announcement to extend coverage to citizens aged 70 and above was first made by the Prime Minister in April 2024, continuing the government’s trend of broadening the scope of AB PM-JAY. Initially aimed at 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, the scheme was revised in 2022 to cover 12 crore families, accounting for India’s population growth.
With this latest update, India’s senior citizens will have access to crucial health services, ensuring they receive the care they need without financial strain.
