READING BETWEEN THE LINES OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT'S EXPANSIVE PROMISE

AB PM-JAY now provides Rs5 lakh in annual health coverage to all seniors 70+. Concerns remain over delayed payments and state opt-outs.

- Ruchira Talapatra

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) recently expanded to include all Indian senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or socioeconomic status. This extension provides each eligible senior citizen with annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for hospital treatments. For families already under the AB PM-JAY scheme, seniors will get an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh specifically for their needs, separate from the family coverage.

This move is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families or around 6 crore senior citizens across India. Additionally, seniors with other public health insurance plans, like the CGHS or ECHS, may either continue with their current plans or switch to Ayushman Bharat, and those with private insurance can also access this new coverage.

SCHEME'S RECENT EXPANSION

The scheme's expansion allows seniors with CGHS or ECHS coverage to switch to Ayushman Bharat, respecting their healthcare choices and needs.

ELIGIBILITY