Union Budget 2024 aims to double Ayushman Bharat coverage, insurance limits to increase

New Delhi: Ahead of the Union Budget 2024, the government is considering to expand the beneficiary base of its flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme and increase the annual insurance coverage. The limit of Rs 5 lakh was fixed in 2018. The expansion of Ayushman Bharat coverage will address inflationary pressures and offer crucial financial relief to families confronting high-cost treatments like transplants and cancer.

What will change in Union Budget 2024? 

The proposed plan aims to double number of beneficiaries over the next three years under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. All individuals aged over 70 years will be covered, with their annual insurance coverage increased to Rs 10 lakh. The initiative will extend coverage to all individuals aged over 70 years, with annual insurance limits increasing to Rs 10 lakh.

What will be expenditure annually? 

The proposals are projected to necessitate an additional annual expenditure of Rs 12,076 crore for the government treasury. These proposals are expected to be announced in the Union Budget to be presented later this month. 

Benefits 12 crore families 

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is aimed to provide secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. The scheme currently benefits 12 crore families across the country. In the interim Budget 2024, Rs 646 crore was allocated for the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. 

World's largest health insurance scheme 

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world's largest health insurance scheme which aims to provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to vulnerable families. The scheme is fully funded by the government and the cost of implementation is shared between the central and state governments.