Union Cabinet Approves Health Coverage for Senior Citizens

The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This move aims to benefit 4.5 crore families, providing six crore senior citizens with Rs five lakh free health insurance cover and issuing new cards for eligible beneficiaries.

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved extending health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

This initiative is set to benefit six crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families by offering a Rs five lakh free health insurance cover. The scheme is expected to bring substantial relief to elderly citizens who previously had limited access to health benefits.

To facilitate the process, eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new, distinct card under the scheme, ensuring they can easily access the entitled health benefits, as per government sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)