Union Cabinets Gives An Approval For Health Coverage For All Over 70 Years
On September 11th 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the Union Cabinet approved health coverage for senior citizens (everyone above the age of 70 years) irrespective of their income class. This approval happened under the Government’s flagship scheme - AB PM-JAY - Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which is estimated to benefit more than 4.5 crore families having sex crore plus senior citizens at home. On a family basis, the cost of coverage to be given is of INR 5 lakh worth free health insurance.
What is PM-JAY?
PM-JAY or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was launched on 23rd September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is the world’s largest health assurance scheme that aims to provide health cover of INR 5 lakh per family per year. PM-JAY covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation of over 12 crore people and vulnerable families in India. With the new announcement by PM Narendra Modi, it now also covers all citizens above the age of 70 years irrespective of their societal/ financial status. Earlier, the PM-JAY scheme was known as the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS).
Key New Developments Under PM-JAY After The Inclusions of Senior Citizens
The key new developments under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or PM-JAY are:
- New Distinct Card: Senior citizens aged 70 years and above will be eligible for receiving a new distinct card under the scheme
- Top Up Coverage: For senior citizens whose families are already covered under the PM-JAY scheme will receive an additional top up of INR 5 lakh per year. This top up will specifically be for the senior citizens and they do not have to share this amount with family members below the age of 70 years.
- Family Coverage: On a family basis, senior citizens who aren’t covered under the current Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme will get coverage of INR 5 lakh per year on a family basis.
- Choice of Schemes: In case the senior citizens are already enrolled in any other Government scheme, they will now have an option to choose from them or opt for AB PM-JAY. The other schemes are like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex- Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (CAPF) and the senior citizens can either choose to continue with these or opt for PM-JAY.
- Eligibility With Private Insurance: If as a senior citizen you are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme or have a pre-existing health insurance, you are still eligible to get the benefits of PM-JAY.
