Centre expands Ayushman health insurance coverage to everyone above 70

The extension of health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to all seniors aged 70 and over, irrespective of their income, is authorized by the Union Cabinet. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this will improve the health benefits for six million seniors from 4.5 crore families by giving them an extra Rs 5 lakh in insurance coverage. Eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new distinct card under the scheme.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a commitment that all senior citizens above the age of 70 years will be given coverage under Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana. There are many families which are already covered and have senior citizens. In such families, additional coverage, top-up coverage will be Rs 5 lakh."

According to the government, senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB-PMJAY.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. In this context, the Cabinet today has decided to further expand the ambit of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to provide health coverage for all citizens above 70 years. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens."

According to the government, AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 per cent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs 1 Lakh crore under the scheme.