New Delhi: In a landmark move aimed at improving healthcare access for senior citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to cover individuals above 70 years of age. The Union Cabinet, in its meeting on Wednesday, approved the proposal, providing free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh for the elderly, marking a significant expansion of the world’s largest public health insurance scheme.
World’s Largest Public Health Insurance Scheme Expands
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, already catering to nearly 55 crore citizens, is now poised to benefit an additional 6 crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families. With this announcement, the Modi government has underscored its commitment to ensuring healthcare security for vulnerable sections of society. This expansion is hailed as the largest government-run health insurance initiative globally, designed to cover treatment costs in both secondary and tertiary hospitals.
12 Crore Families Already Covered Senior Citizens Get Special Care
Ayushman Bharat currently aims to provide a health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year to 12 crore families across India. The latest decision ensures that senior citizens above 70 will receive added protection under this scheme. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, speaking after the Cabinet meeting, emphasized that this decision will give senior citizens exclusive access to free healthcare, potentially life-saving during medical emergencies.
Exclusive Health Insurance Cards for Seniors
In a move to streamline the benefits, senior citizens covered under this expanded scheme will be issued a separate, specialized health card. This new card will grant them access to hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat network, allowing hassle-free treatment. According to the Union Minister, this will be an additional top-up, providing coverage even for those already enrolled in other government health programs. Seniors already benefiting from central government health schemes can choose to transition into Ayushman Bharat if they wish.
Free Healthcare for All Seniors Eligibility and Benefits
The expansion of Ayushman Bharat opens the doors for all senior citizens above 70, regardless of their socio-economic background, ensuring that age becomes the only criterion for eligibility. These citizens will be entitled to the same benefits as the rest of the population under Ayushman Bharat but with added security through the top-up cover. For families already benefiting from the scheme, senior members will receive an additional ₹5 lakh per year for medical treatment, further safeguarding their health.
How to Access the Benefits of Ayushman Bharat for Senior Citizens
Eligible senior citizens will automatically qualify for the scheme, and the government will issue them new health cards to access the benefits. They will receive treatment in any of the empaneled secondary and tertiary hospitals covered under Ayushman Bharat without paying for procedures, including surgeries, hospital stays, and diagnostics. Senior citizens can receive care from both public and private hospitals, ensuring flexibility and access to quality healthcare.
Ayushman Bharat: A Game-Changer for Senior Healthcare
With this major decision, PM Modi’s government has taken a historic step toward universal healthcare, with a special focus on India’s elderly. The free healthcare cover of ₹5 lakh ensures that seniors, many of whom face escalating medical expenses, are not left behind. By offering them specialized support, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families and create a healthcare safety net that will cater to the growing needs of India’s aging population.
The Union Cabinet’s approval of this initiative comes at a critical time, as the government continues to prioritize healthcare reforms. By including those aged 70 and above, the Modi administration seeks to not only improve access to healthcare but also reduce inequalities in medical treatment. With 12 crore families and now an additional 6 crore senior citizens poised to benefit, Ayushman Bharat is evolving into a robust shield for India’s most vulnerable sections.
