Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: In a major relief to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, the Union Cabinet on September 11 expanded Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) to provide health coverage to them, regardless of their income level.
The decision comes at a time when India’s rapidly-growing ageing citizens are finding it difficult to manage their disease burden given the high cost of medical care without a social security net.
Currently, the scheme is incomebased and provides Rs 5 lakh shared annual coverage to all members of eligible families – estimated to comprise the bottom 40 per cent of the population economically – irrespective of their age.
Under the expanded scheme, Rs 5 lakh annual coverage per family will be provided to all citizens aged 70 years and above. An additional six crore people in this age group, from 4.5 crore families, are expected to benefit. The eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new card under PM-JAY.
Citizens aged 70 and above, and belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY, will get an additional (shared) top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.
Those 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) can opt for AB PM-JAY.
Citizens of 70 years and above, who are under private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, will be eligible to avail the benefits. If there are two senior citizens (70 years+) in a family, the Rs 5 lakh coverage will be shared between them.
