Government Approves Free Health Coverage for Senior Citizens Under AB PM-JAY

The Union Cabinet has approved free health coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, benefiting 4.5 crore families with Rs 5 lakh annual coverage. Eligible citizens will receive a distinct card under the scheme.

In a landmark move to benefit 4.5 crore families, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved free health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This initiative will provide Rs 5 lakh annual health insurance to approximately 6 crore senior citizens.

"Senior citizens aged 70 years and above, belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY, will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 75 lakh per annum for themselves," said a government spokesperson. The seniors who are already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes can choose to continue with their existing program or switch to AB PM-JAY.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) aims to provide an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalization to about 55 crore beneficiaries, covering 12.34 crore families in India's bottom 40 percent population. Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 10,900 crore for the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme over two years.

(With inputs from agencies.)