Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Senior Citizens' Eligibility For Rs 5 Lakh Medical Coverage Explained

The Union cabinet has approved health coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the scheme will benefit nearly six crore senior citizens, providing them with enhanced access to healthcare. This new initiative offers eligible beneficiaries health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.

The scheme is expected to cover around 4.5 crore families across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in support of the scheme, took to X to spread the word: "We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens!"

Eligibility Criteria for Senior Citizens

The scheme specifically targets senior citizens, with the following eligibility conditions:

Senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the scheme and receive a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family.

Those who belong to families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana get an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh, which is exclusively for their personal healthcare and is not shared with the family.

Senior citizens with private health insurance can also benefit from this scheme.

However there's a caveat. Senior citizens already covered by other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), must choose between their existing coverage or the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct card to avail of the scheme's benefits.

About the Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is recognised as the world's largest publicly funded health insurance programme, offering health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually.

It serves approximately 55 crore individuals and 12.34 crore families in India, helping to bridge the healthcare accessibility gap for millions.