(Image source from: Canva.com)

The Indian government has approved health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat national insurance scheme for all individuals aged 70 and above. The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will benefit 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens. The free coverage is worth ₹ 5 lakh per family. All seniors aged 70 and above, regardless of their socioeconomic status, will be eligible for the benefits of AB PM-JAY and will receive a distinct card. Additionally, senior citizens aged 70 and above who are already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an extra ₹ 5 lakh per year coverage for themselves, which they do not have to share with other family members under 70 years old.

The Armed Police Force (CAPF) can choose their current plan or opt for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all Indians. It has been clarified that senior citizens aged 70 and above who have private health insurance or are enrolled in the Employees' State Insurance Scheme are eligible to receive benefits under the AB PM-JAY scheme. The AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health insurance program, providing ₹5 lakh in annual health coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore people, corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of eligible families, regardless of age, are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women. The government stated that the public has benefited by over ₹1 lakh crore under the scheme. The expansion of coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above was announced by the Prime Minister. The government also mentioned that the AB PM-JAY scheme has continuously expanded its beneficiary base, initially covering 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, which make up the bottom 40% of India's population.

The government updated the number of eligible families under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme from 10.74 crore to 12 crore, considering India's population growth of 11.7% since 2011. The scheme was also expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi helpers, and their families, providing them with free healthcare benefits. Furthermore, the scheme will now provide free healthcare coverage of ₹ 5 lakh to all citizens aged 70 years and above across the country.