Modi Govt Announces Health Insurance Cover For Everyone Over 70 In India

The Union government has extended health coverage to everyone aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This decision, approved by the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will benefit4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens. The free cover is worth Rs 5 lakh per family.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh annually. This amount is exclusively for them and does not need to be shared with younger family members.

Health Coverage Expansion

Prime Minister Modi announced the expansion of coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above in April. The government stated that the AB PM-JAY scheme has continuously expanded its beneficiary base since its inception.

The scheme initially covered 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40% of India's population. In January 2022, this was revised to include 12 crore families due to India's decadal population growth of 11.7% over the 2011 population.

Senior citizens who are part of other public health insurance schemes like CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman CAPF can choose between their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY. Those with private health insurance or Employees' State Insurance Scheme are also eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

Beneficiary Base Growth

The scheme has been further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs and their families for free healthcare benefits. Now, AB PM-JAY will provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens aged 70 years and above across the country.

The world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, AB PM-JAY offers Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore people, equating to 12.34 crore families.

"With this approval, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY," stated the government. Eligible seniors will receive a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.

Scheme Impact

The scheme covers all members of eligible families regardless of age. It has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with women beneficiaries making up 49%. The public has benefited by over Rs 1 lakh crore through this scheme.

This significant move aims to ensure that senior citizens have access to necessary healthcare without financial burden. The continuous expansion reflects the government's commitment to providing comprehensive health coverage to its citizens.