In a groundbreaking move, the Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to offer comprehensive health coverage for citizens aged 70 and above. This extension will provide up to Rs 5 lakh in annual treatment expenses, marking a significant shift in Indias public healthcare landscape. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens who struggle with high medical costs and lack adequate social security.Enhanced coverage for seniorsPreviously, the AB PM-JAY scheme offered Rs 5 lakh annual coverage to eligible families, typically those in the bottom 40% of the economic spectrum, regardless of age. The new extension will ensure that every individual aged 70 and above receives an additional Rs 5 lakh in coverage. This expansion is expected to benefit approximately 6 crore people across 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries will receive new cards under the PM-JAY scheme to access these benefits.Eligibility and existing schemesSenior citizens who are part of families already covered by AB PM-JAY will receive the additional coverage. Those enrolled in other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), can either continue with their existing plans or opt for AB PM-JAY. Seniors with private health insurance or Employees State Insurance Scheme will also be eligible for the new benefits.Coverage details and cost implicationsUnion Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that if there are multiple senior citizens in a family, the Rs 5 lakh coverage will be shared among them. This adjustment addresses the needs of Indias growing nuclear families and enhances social security for elderly citizens. The initial rollout of the scheme will require an investment of Rs 3,437 crore. The central government is expected to cover 90% of the costs for states in hilly regions and the Northeast, with most other states contributing 40%.✅ A Promise Delivered!🏥 Senior citizens of 70+ age group will now get free treatment upto Rs. 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. pic.twitter.com/j1ajMg9Ods— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 11, 2024Significance and future outlookThis expansion represents the first instance of age-specific universal health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The initiative is crucial as Indias elderly population is projected to increase significantly, with the 60+ demographic expected to triple by 2050. As of now, only about 20% of this age group has health coverage, underscoring the importance of this new scheme.
