No Expert Committee for Senior Citizen Health Benefits in Ayushman Bharat, Says Minister

Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, informed the Lok Sabha that no expert committee has been formed to extend healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat for citizens aged 70 and above. Jadhav emphasized that all eligible families are covered under the scheme and highlighted the government's efforts to streamline health insurance claims through the National Health Claims Exchange.

Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, announced on Friday that no expert committee has been established to extend healthcare benefits to citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

In response to a query about expanding the scheme to cover senior citizens, Jadhav said that all members of eligible families are already covered, regardless of age, under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme offers health insurance worth Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.

Jadhav also mentioned the launch of the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), which aims to streamline health insurance claim processing and improve patient experience. He noted that 34 insurers and third-party administrators are already active on the platform, which promises enhanced efficiency and transparency in the insurance industry.