Tripura CM Celebrates Expanded Ayushman Bharat Coverage for Senior Citizens

Tripura CM Manik Saha lauds Union Cabinet's move to broaden Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above. The decision will offer healthcare benefits to approximately 6 crore seniors, providing a Rs 5 lakh annual health insurance cover regardless of income.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday hailed the Union Cabinet's decision to further expand the ambit of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, calling it a 'landmark step.' 'THANK YOU MODI ji! A landmark step for senior citizens' healthcare! Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY benefit will now be provided to all citizens aged 70 and above,' Saha said in a post on X.

The Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on Wednesday. This decision will benefit approximately 4.5 crore families, affecting around 6 crore seniors, with a Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover per family annually.

All senior citizens aged 70 and above, no matter their socio-economic status, will be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits. They will receive a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. Those already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year exclusively for themselves. The world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme provides Rs 5 lakh annual health cover per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to around 55 crore individuals. The scheme has facilitated over 7.37 crore hospital admissions and offered Rs 1 lakh crore in benefits to the public. Seniors who are part of other public or private health insurance schemes can also choose to avail of AB PM-JAY benefits.

(With inputs from agencies.)