Ayushman Bharat Expands to Cover Senior Citizens Over 70

The Indian government has expanded Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to include senior citizens over 70, benefiting an additional six crore people with 5 lakh rupees health insurance coverage. This move aims to provide extensive healthcare benefits to more families across the country.

The Indian government announced the inclusion of all citizens above 70 years under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This extension is set to benefit an additional six crore senior citizens with robust health coverage, the Union Cabinet stated on Wednesday.

Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved providing 5 lakh rupees free health insurance coverage on a family basis to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families.

Senior citizens will receive a new distinct card under the health security scheme. Those from families already enrolled in the scheme will receive an additional top-up cover worth up to 5 lakh rupees annually. Furthermore, senior citizens in other existing public health insurance schemes can opt to switch to Ayushman Bharat or continue with their current plan.

Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offers healthcare coverage of 5 lakh rupees per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. The recent expansion follows the pattern of steady growth, initially targeting 10.74 crore families and recently increased to 12 crore families, including 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)