In a major step toward inclusive healthcare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), offering health insurance coverage for citizens aged 70 and above. This announcement, timed with Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day, aims to support the health needs of senior citizens by providing them with up to ₹5 lakh of free health coverage annually. Here’s a guide on the benefits, eligibility, and application process for those above 70 years of age to obtain the Ayushman Card.
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat’s New Extension?
Under the newly expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme, all Indian citizens aged 70 and above—irrespective of their economic status or family background—are eligible for health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. This includes individuals from all sections, whether they belong to lower-income groups, middle-class families, or upper-middle-class segments. Those already covered by Ayushman Bharat must still apply to receive a new card, as it is being issued specifically for the newly extended coverage.
Key Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Senior Citizen Coverage
The extension of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers various benefits tailored to the health requirements of senior citizens:
- ₹5 Lakh Annual Coverage: Every individual aged 70 and above will be covered for medical expenses up to ₹5 lakh each year, which can be utilized at both public and private hospitals registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Separate Top-Up for Existing Beneficiaries: Families already covered under AB-PMJAY will receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up per senior citizen member above 70, with this amount reserved solely for the use of seniors in the family.
- Universal Access: The scheme applies to citizens from all financial backgrounds, making it a significant step in providing universal healthcare access for seniors.
- Empanelled Hospitals Across the Country: As of now, 29,648 hospitals are registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with 12,696 private hospitals included, ensuring a wide choice of healthcare providers for cardholders.
How Senior Citizens Can Apply for the Ayushman Card
The process to apply for the Ayushman Card is simple and digital:
- Registration on PMJAY Portal: Eligible seniors need to register themselves through the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman Bharat app.
- eKYC Process: Those who already have an Ayushman card will need to reapply and complete a fresh eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process to update their details.
- Aadhaar-Linked Eligibility: The card issuance and eligibility are based on the individual’s Aadhaar card, which should confirm the applicant’s age as 70 years or above.
Once the application is processed, seniors will receive their Ayushman Card, enabling them to receive cashless treatments at empanelled hospitals across the country.
Can Seniors with Other Health Insurance Apply?
Yes, senior citizens who are already enrolled in private health insurance plans or in Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) can also benefit from the Ayushman Bharat expansion. However, those who are covered by other public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF have the option to either retain their existing benefits or switch to AB-PMJAY if preferred.
Large-Scale Impact and Reach of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
With the Ayushman Bharat scheme already operational in 33 states and union territories, this extension is set to benefit around 6 crore citizens from 4.5 crore families across India.
Hospitals Covered Under the Scheme
Currently, over 29,600 hospitals are empanelled with PMJAY, including 12,696 private hospitals. With an extensive network, this allows Ayushman cardholders to access a wide range of healthcare services across India. The scheme is yet to be implemented in Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal, with hopes for eventual expansion.
As a landmark initiative, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana now stands as a robust tool for inclusive healthcare, promising security and support for seniors across India.
