The Narendra Modi govt approved health cover to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) – a decision that is likely to benefit approximately 60 million senior citizens. They will be eligible for a Rs 500,000 free health insurance cover annually on a family basis under AB-PMJAY which was until now available only to the poor and vulnerable families. The Cabinet approved an initial outlay of £343.7 mn to fund the expansion of AB-PMJAY to include senior citizens, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The decision comes just before govt completes the first 100 days in office in its third term.
“The scheme will be rolled out soon. All eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB-PMJAY. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB-PMJAY will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 500,000 per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 500,000 per year on a family basis,” Vaishnaw said. The minister added that eligible senior citizens already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB-PMJAY.
