Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Centre announces health insurance coverage for all citizens over 70

PTC News Desk: The Union government has approved health insurance coverage for all citizens aged 70 and above under the national insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat. The decision was made by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to approximately 4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens. The free health coverage will provide up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually.

According to the government’s statement, this new approval ensures that all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status, are eligible for the benefits of AB PM-JAY. These senior citizens will receive a distinct card under the scheme, giving them access to healthcare services. For those already covered under AB PM-JAY, an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year will be available exclusively for individuals aged 70 and above, separate from other family members.

Senior citizens currently 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), can either continue with their existing coverage or opt for AB PM-JAY. The same choice is offered to those covered under private health insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all, stating, “We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and top-quality healthcare for every Indian,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care to around 55 crore individuals, which corresponds to approximately 12.34 crore families. Since its launch, the scheme has provided coverage for 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with nearly half of the beneficiaries being women. The total value of healthcare services provided under the scheme exceeds Rs 1 lakh crore.

The expansion of the scheme to senior citizens aged 70 and above was initially announced by Prime Minister Modi in April. This move is part of the government’s continuous efforts to expand the beneficiary base of AB PM-JAY. Initially, the scheme targeted 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40% of the population. In January 2022, the government revised the beneficiary base to 12 crore families, considering India’s population growth over the past decade.

Additionally, the scheme was expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and their families for free healthcare benefits. With the latest development, AB PM-JAY now provides comprehensive health coverage of ₹5 lakh to all citizens aged 70 and above across the country.

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