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Cabinet Approves Health Benefits for All Seniors 70+ Without Income Restrictions under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 4.5 Crore Families to Benefit
In a major boost to public health coverage, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This enhancement will extend health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, marking a substantial increase in the scheme's reach and impact.
Key Details of the Expansion
Coverage and Benefits: Approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens will now be covered under the scheme. Each eligible senior citizen will receive a health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year. Those from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh per year specifically for their healthcare needs, without affecting the coverage for other family members below 70 years of age.
New Enrollment: Eligible senior citizens will receive a new, distinct card under AB PM-JAY. This card will facilitate access to healthcare benefits and streamline the process of availing medical services.
Choice of Scheme: Senior citizens who are currently enrolled in 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), have the option to continue with their existing scheme or switch to AB PM-JAY. Additionally, those with private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) coverage can also benefit from AB PM-JAY.
About AB PM-JAY
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, providing ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers 55 crore individuals across 12.34 crore families, including all members regardless of age. Since its inception, AB PM-JAY has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, benefiting 49% women and delivering healthcare services valued at over ₹1 lakh crore.
Historical Expansion
Initially launched to cover the bottom 40% of India’s population, the scheme’s beneficiary base was expanded from 10.74 crore families to 12 crore families in January 2022, reflecting India’s population growth. Further expansions included coverage for 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs and their families.
The latest extension of AB PM-JAY to include all citizens aged 70 and above aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and ensuring that the elderly population receives the medical care they need without financial strain.
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