Crackdown on Fraudulent Claims: Ayushman Bharat Expands to Senior Citizens

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding actions taken against fraud under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The scheme, now expanded to include all senior citizens aged 70, emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud with robust anti-fraud mechanisms and grievance redressal systems in place.

In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav emphasized the government's ongoing battle against fraudulent activities within the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Actions such as rejecting claims and de-empanelling hospitals reveal the scheme's zero-tolerance policy towards fraud.

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a key government initiative, offers significant healthcare coverage to India's economically vulnerable populace. Recent expansions now provide health benefits to senior citizens aged 70 and above, introducing the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for enhanced coverage.

To thwart potential abuses, a comprehensive anti-fraud framework, including AI-driven monitoring and multi-tiered grievance redressal, has been established. These measures aim to ensure both the integrity of the scheme and the protection of beneficiaries, Jadhav noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)