In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine healthcare accessibility for the elderly, the Union government has announced a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Under this newly approved initiative, all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above will now be entitled to comprehensive health coverage, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s public health landscape. This development is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and six crore senior citizens across the country.
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the announcement, emphasizing the scheme’s commitment to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for the elderly. The AB PM-JAY, previously renowned as the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, will now extend its coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and older, providing them with an additional ₹ 5 lakh in health benefits annually.
“The expansion of AB PM-JAY to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above is a landmark decision in our journey towards universal healthcare coverage,” said a government spokesperson. “This will ensure that our elderly population receives the care they deserve, irrespective of their socio-economic background.”
Under the new guidelines, senior citizens who are already part of families covered under the AB PM-JAY scheme will receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹ 5 lakh annually. This coverage will be individual and not shared with other family members under 70 years of age, allowing for dedicated healthcare benefits for the elderly.
For those seniors already benefiting from 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), there will be an option to either continue with their current scheme or opt for the expanded AB PM-JAY coverage.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to this new initiative on social media, stating, “We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. The expansion of AB PM-JAY to cover our senior citizens is a testament to this commitment.”
Senior citizens who are currently enrolled in private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) will also be eligible to benefit from the AB PM-JAY scheme. This inclusion ensures that even those with existing private coverage can access the enhanced benefits provided by the scheme.
The AB PM-JAY, since its inception, has been recognised for its extensive reach and impact. The scheme provides health cover of ₹ 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. As of now, it covers approximately 55 crore people, equating to 12.34 crore families. The scheme has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions to date, with significant benefits extending to women beneficiaries.
The expansion to include senior citizens aged 70 and above is a continuation of the scheme’s evolution. Initially launched to cover 10.74 crore vulnerable families, the AB PM-JAY had its beneficiary base revised to 12 crore families in January 2022, accounting for India’s population growth. This adjustment reflects the scheme’s adaptability and commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Indian population.
In addition to expanding coverage to the elderly, the scheme has also been broadened to include 37 lakh ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), AWWs (Anganwadi Workers), and AWHs (Anganwadi Helpers) and their families. This inclusive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare coverage across various segments of society.
The extension of the AB PM-JAY to senior citizens is expected to have a profound impact on healthcare access and quality for the elderly. With the rising cost of healthcare and the growing need for specialised medical services for older adults, this initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens and enhance access to necessary treatments and services.
The new coverage is anticipated to address gaps in healthcare access for the elderly, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing a dedicated financial safety net, the scheme will help ensure that senior citizens can receive timely and appropriate medical care without the stress of financial constraints.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from various quarters. Advocacy groups and healthcare professionals have praised the government for taking a significant step towards improving the well-being of senior citizens. Many see this move as a crucial advancement in the quest for universal health coverage.
Health experts highlight that the new coverage will not only provide financial relief but also contribute to better health outcomes for the elderly. By ensuring that seniors receive the care they need, the initiative could lead to improved overall health and quality of life for a significant portion of the population.
Looking ahead, the government plans to continue expanding the AB PM-JAY scheme and other healthcare initiatives to further enhance the reach and effectiveness of public health services. The focus will remain on addressing emerging healthcare needs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that every Indian has access to high-quality medical care.
The Union government’s decision to extend Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to include all citizens aged 70 and above marks a significant milestone in India’s public health landscape. This expansion reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that the country’s elderly population receives the care and support they need.
As the scheme begins to roll out, senior citizens and their families will benefit from enhanced healthcare coverage, providing much-needed financial relief and access to high-quality medical services. The AB PM-JAY’s continued expansion underscores the government’s dedication to universal healthcare and its ongoing efforts to address the needs of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.