In a landmark move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will introduce health coverage for all citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) today, October 29. This initiative aims to provide essential health security to senior citizens, with eligible individuals receiving free treatment up to ₹5 lakh at any AB PMJAY-empaneled hospitals starting immediately after launch.
The health coverage rollout is part of a broader mission under the AB-PMJAY scheme, which currently includes over 29,648 hospitals nationwide, covering millions of economically vulnerable families. According to a report from the Ministry of Health, the scheme has already benefitted nearly 10.74 crore families, representing around 40 percent of India’s population.
Key Benefits of the New Health Coverage Scheme for Senior Citizens
The newly launched coverage provides specific benefits for citizens aged 70 and above:
- Eligibility: All citizens aged 70 or above, as listed in their Aadhaar card, are eligible for the scheme, irrespective of income status. This inclusivity ensures health security for approximately six crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore households.
- Additional Top-Up: Senior citizens within families already covered under AB-PMJAY will receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover annually, exclusively for themselves. This coverage does not extend to other family members below 70, emphasizing targeted support for elderly healthcare.
- Inclusivity Across Insurance Plans: Those availing private insurance policies, the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, and other public health insurance programs like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman CAPF are eligible. However, beneficiaries need to choose between these existing schemes or the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Registration Process and Access to Services
To avail of the scheme, eligible senior citizens must register via the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman app:
- Existing Ayushman Card Holders: Individuals already holding an Ayushman card will need to reapply and complete eKYC on the PMJAY platform to receive a new card.
- Empaneled Hospitals: With 12,696 private hospitals and a total of 29,648 hospitals onboard, eligible citizens can access high-quality medical care in both public and private institutions.
The scheme is available in 33 states and Union Territories, with the exception of Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal, broadening its reach and accessibility to underserved regions across the country. According to the Health Ministry, the scheme has already covered over ₹1 lakh crore in benefits since its inception, assisting beneficiaries with approximately 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including a significant 49 percent share for women.
Digital Health Records for Children and Pregnant Women
Alongside the senior citizens’ health coverage, PM Modi is set to introduce the U-WIN portal, a digital platform modeled after Co-WIN, which will store vaccination records for children and pregnant women. This portal, part of a comprehensive health monitoring system, is aimed at maintaining a permanent digital health record for individuals up to 17 years of age.
Impact and Vision
With the launch of this expanded health coverage, PM Modi’s government is reaffirming its commitment to senior citizens and the vulnerable elderly population. Speaking on the anticipated impact, a senior official from the Health Ministry stated, “The scheme is designed to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare for India’s elderly, ensuring they are cared for in times of need without financial hardship.”
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, often regarded as one of the world’s largest health initiatives, has become an essential part of India’s healthcare system, marking significant milestones in universal health coverage. With this new initiative for senior citizens, the government aims to support them in their later years, prioritizing dignity and financial security in healthcare.