The healthcare scheme for senior citizens is projected to benefit approximately six crore individuals across about 4.5 crore households.
On Tuesday, October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched health coverage for all citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), according to news agency PTI.
Under the scheme, individuals with an Ayushman card can receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh at any AB PMJAY empaneled hospital starting October 29.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to launch several other projects on Tuesday, including the U-WIN portal. This portal is modeled after India’s COVID-19 vaccine management system, Co-WIN, and will maintain a permanent digital record of vaccinations for children from birth to age 17, as well as for pregnant women.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Enhancing healthcare infrastructure is our priority. The initiatives launched today will provide citizens with access to high-quality and affordable facilities.”
Here are some key details about the AB-PMJAY health coverage plan:
1. All citizens aged 70 and above, as per their Aadhaar card, are eligible for health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), regardless of their income status.
2. The scheme is projected to benefit approximately six crore individuals across around 4.5 crore households, according to news agency PTI.
3. To access health coverage, individuals must register on the PMJAY portal or through the Ayushman app. Those who already possess an Ayushman card will also need to reapply on the portal or app and complete their eKYC to obtain a new card.
4. The scheme is currently being implemented in 33 states and Union territories, excluding Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal.
5. Senior citizens aged 70 and above from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves, which will not be shared with other family members under 70.
6. The PMJAY scheme has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with women beneficiaries accounting for 49 percent. The public has benefited by over ₹1 lakh crore under the scheme, according to the health ministry.
7. Senior citizens who hold private health insurance policies or are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme will also be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
8. Senior citizens aged 70 and above who are enrolled in other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), will need to choose between their current scheme and the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
9. According to the health ministry, the AB PM-JAY scheme covers 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40 percent of India’s population.
10. As of September 1, 2024, a total of 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private facilities, have been empaneled to provide treatment to citizens under the PMJAY scheme.
