Union Cabinet Expands Ayushman Bharat to Cover Senior Citizens Over 70

The Union Cabinet has approved extending Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY coverage to individuals aged 70 and above, providing them with a Rs 5 lakh annual health insurance. This move, praised by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, aims to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens.

The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income, granting them a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this initiative, highlighting that it's a significant relief for the elderly. Sawant stated that no previous government has considered the medical needs of the 70-year-old population in such a comprehensive manner.

The decision, expected to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens, will also grant additional top-up cover for those already under AB PM-JAY. Senior citizens under other health schemes can opt for this scheme or retain their existing coverage.

(With inputs from agencies.)