The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, offering them free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year. This new extension under the Ayushman Bharat initiative is expected to benefit millions of senior citizens, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services without the burden of medical costs.
Key Features of the Extended Coverage:
- Rs 5 Lakh Health Insurance: All senior citizens aged 70 and above across India will receive free healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
- Eligibility Expanded: This coverage is available to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or whether they were previously covered under other public or private health insurance schemes.
- Individual and Family Coverage: Senior citizens already part of AB PM-JAY families will receive an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh specifically for themselves. For others, coverage is provided on a family basis.
Growing Beneficiary Base of Ayushman Bharat
Since its inception, the AB PM-JAY scheme has steadily expanded to provide free healthcare coverage to India’s poorest families. Initially covering 10.74 crore vulnerable families, the scheme was expanded in January 2022 to include 12 crore families, accounting for the country’s decadal population growth. Now, with the inclusion of senior citizens aged 70 and above, the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens.
The scheme also provides coverage to 37 lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs (Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi Workers, and Helpers), offering them free healthcare benefits for themselves and their families.
Eligibility Criteria for Senior Citizens
- Senior citizens who are already part of families covered under AB PM-JAY will receive a top-up of Rs 5 lakh per year, which is for their exclusive use and doesn’t need to be shared with family members.
- Other senior citizens aged 70 and above, including those covered by private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), are also eligible for benefits under AB PM-JAY.
- Those enrolled in other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) can choose between their existing coverage or AB PM-JAY.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Eligible senior citizens can follow these simple steps to enroll in the AB PM-JAY scheme:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website at https://abdm.gov.in/
- Aadhaar or Ration Card Verification: Get your Aadhaar card or ration card verified at a PMJAY kiosk.
- Submit Family Identification Proofs: Provide proof of family identification for verification.
- Receive e-Card: After verification, you will receive a printed e-card with a unique AB-PMJAY ID, which can be used to access free healthcare services.
What Does the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Cover?
The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Medical Examinations, Treatments, and Consultations
- Pre-Hospitalisation Care: Up to three days before admission.
- Medications and Medical Supplies
- Non-Intensive and Intensive Care Services (Including ICU)
- Diagnostic Tests and Laboratory Investigations
- Medical Implants, if Required
- Accommodation and Meals During Hospitalisation
- Complications During Treatment
- Post-Hospitalisation Follow-Up Care: Up to 15 days after discharge.
Conclusion
With the extension of Ayushman Bharat to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, the government has taken a significant step towards ensuring the elderly population has access to essential healthcare services without the financial burden. By providing free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, the initiative addresses the growing healthcare needs of an aging population while helping families avoid high medical expenses. The AB PM-JAY scheme continues to expand, bringing healthcare closer to millions of Indian citizens.
