Govt extends Rs5 lakh free insurance cover to all citizens above 70 years
12 Sep 2024
The union cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of health insurance coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, in a move that will benefit 45 million families.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of health coverage under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
This will benefit an estimated 60 million senior citizens in 45 million families with an estimated Rs5 lakh free health insurance cover on a family basis.
According to a cabinet release, eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.
Senior citizens of 70 years and above who are already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover of Rs5 lakh per year exclusively for themselves.
Senior citizens already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Ayushman Central Armed Police Force can opt for either their existing scheme or for AB PM-JAY.
However, senior citizens of 70 years and above who are covered under private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.
The largest state funded health assurance scheme globally, AB PM-JAY provides health cover of Rs5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 550 million people or around 123 million families. All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme.
The scheme has so far covered 74 million hospital admissions, 49 per cent of whom were women beneficiaries.
