Cabinet Nods Health Coverage For Senior Citizens Aged 70 years & above

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet has given the green light for health coverage for all elderly citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, as part of the main scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). It is anticipated that around 4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens, will benefit from the decision with Rs. Health insurance cover of 500,000 on a family basis provided free of cost.

Senior citizens who meet the requirements will receive a unique new card as part of AB PM-JAY. Senior citizens aged 70 and above from families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will receive extra coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for their own use (without having to split with family members under 70 years old).

All seniors aged 70 and older will receive coverage up to Rs. An annual income of 500,000 on a household level. Individuals aged 70 and older who are currently receiving benefits from public health insurance programs like CGHS, ECHS, and CAPF can decide to stay with their current scheme or switch to AB PMJAY. The Center stated that individuals aged 70 and older with private health insurance or coverage through Employees’ State Insurance are entitled to receive benefits through AB PM-JAY.

The globe's biggest publicly funded health assurance scheme is AB PM-JAY, offering health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for hospitalization in secondary and tertiary care facilities for 55 crore people, which is equivalent to 12.34 crore families. All individuals in the qualifying families, regardless of their age, are included in the program. 7.37 crore have been encompassed by the scheme.