The Government of India in a landmark decision is set to expand the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) program to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income This expansion is likely to benefit around 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens, providing an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family for treatment at secondary and tertiary care hospitals
In the coming week, the scheme will be operational as a pilot project first. Eligible seniors citizens can enlist them on the dedicated portal with face verification and will receive a new health card. The government will also run awareness programmes through the media.
The scheme can be applied by individuals with private insurance and Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) beneficiaries.
“There is no waiting period or cooling off period. The card will be operational for use immediately after eKYC is done” official sources said.
This move is a paradigm shift in elderly healthcare in India, catering to the increasing demand for geriatric care. Industry representatives have also emphasized the importance of adequate reimbursement rates and timely payments to ensure the scheme's sustainability and prevent smaller hospitals from being overwhelmed.
