Unlocking ₹5 Lakh Health Cover: What Seniors Aged 70+ Need to Know

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a significant enhancement to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This new policy extends comprehensive health coverage to all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.

Here are the key points from the information provided:

• Beneficiaries: Approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens will benefit from this expansion.

• Coverage Details:

  • All seniors aged 70 and above will receive ₹5 lakh free health insurance cover.
  • Seniors already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per year, exclusively for themselves.

• New Cards: Eligible seniors will be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.

• Options for Existing Beneficiaries:

  • Seniors under other public health schemes (CGHS, ECHS, CAPF) can either continue with their current scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
  • Those with private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance can also benefit from AB PM-JAY.

• Scheme Details:

  • AB PM-JAY provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • The scheme covers 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families.
  • It has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions and provided benefits worth over ₹1 lakh crore.

• Past Expansions:

  • Initially covered 10.74 crore families.

  • Revised to 12 crore families in January 2022.

  • Expanded in January 2022 to include 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs and their families

Read More: Government’s Big Move: Free ₹5 Lakh Health Cover for All Seniors Aged 70 and Above

Read More: Rahul Gandhi’s U.S. Comments on Reservation and Religious Freedom Spark Political Controversy in India

Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube & Instagram to never miss an update from The Credible India