CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

Healthcare providers welcome extension of AB PM-JAY, but say some issues need to be addressed

- NEETU CHANDRA SHARMA

THE UNION CABINET'S recent decision to extend health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above is set to benefit over 60 million people across India. But experts say that the government must address concerns around reimbursements to ensure that the scheme is a success.

The AB PM-JAY currently covers 550 million individuals from 123.4 million families across 33 states and Union Territories and has facilitated 73.7 million hospital admissions, with women comprising 49% of beneficiaries. The scheme has helped cover healthcare costs amounting to more than ₹1 lakh crore.

Beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a separate card, and those already enrolled will receive an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year for their exclusive use, without sharing this benefit with family members under 70. For those not previously covered, the insurance will offer up to