Ayushman Bharat Now Open To Indians Older Than 70 Years Of Age

Union Cabinet has approved a substantial expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) This expansion will immediately include all Indians (and not just rich ones) who are 70 years and older. The Prime Minister is expected to unveil this universal health coverage in his speech and the enrollment for the same is expected to start soon.

AB PM-JAY Overview

• AB PM-JAY is a cashless health insurance scheme entitling ?5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization launched in 2018.
• It provides hospital treatments for more than 10 crore families, i.e. around 50 crores people.
• Beneficiaries are identified based on 2011 census data.
• Any person who is 70 years old or above and registered with Aadhaar can participate in the vaccination.
• After eKYC, they will be able to use their health benefits immediately on completion.
• ?5 lakh for elderly beneficiaries annually for health cover, with an additional ?5 lakh to existing families.
• About 6 crore (60 million) old people are likely to be benefitted from the scheme
• Expansion to cost ?3,437 crore; 100% Central government funding and states will bear 40% of operational coasts;
• The detection program is especially useful for more elderly, single women who do not have a solid family support network.