Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya free health insurance scheme extended to elderly above 70; here's what PM Modi said

The Union Cabinet has given its nod for health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), irrespective of their income. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said this move will benefit around six crore senior citizens.

The ₹5 lakh free health insurance cover would benefit senior citizens of around 4.5 crore families. Under the scheme, the government said, eligible beneficiaries would be issued a new distinct card.

Ayushman Bharat extended to citizens over 70: What did the government say?

"Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis," an official statement said.

It clarified that senior citizens 70 years of age and above who have Employees' State Insurance scheme or private health insurance policies will be eligible to avail benefits under the AB PM-JAY.

However, those already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes like Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY, the statement said.

AB PM-JAY will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens: PM Modi

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. In this context, the Cabinet today has decided to further expand the ambit of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to provide health coverage for all citizens above 70 years. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens!"

AB PM-JAY, according to the government, is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme. It provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family yearly for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals or 12.34 crore families.