On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of health coverage to all individuals aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), regardless of their income. This decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is set to benefit approximately six crore senior citizens.
The initiative will provide 25 lakh free health insurance covers, impacting around 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a new, distinct card under the scheme. The coverage includes an additional top-up of up to 5 lakh per year specifically for the senior citizens, separate from the coverage for family members under 70 years of age.
Individuals currently benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or switch to AB PM-JAY.