Rs 5Lakh Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance For Senior Citizens: Who is Eligible, Benefits, How To Apply

Ayushman Bharat health insurance: The Union cabinet approved health coverage for senior citizens above 70, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Read on to know how to apply for it.

Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance: In a major development, the Union cabinet on Wednesday approved health insurance coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, under the flagship initiative Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). According to the reports, eligible beneficiaries will get a cover up to 5 lakh under the scheme.

Taking to social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the decision, in a post on X he wrote: "We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens!"

Who Is Eligible For Rs 5 Lakh Health Insurance Under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY?

As the Modi government announces Rs 5 Lakh health insurance for senior citizens above, let's take a quick check on who all are eligible for the scheme under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

1. All senior citizens who are 70 and above are eligible for the health insurance scheme.
2. They will get health coverage of Rs 5 lakh.
3. Additionally, senior citizens who belong to families already under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme will get an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh on their health insurance, which will be entirely for their use and does not need to be shared with their family.
4. Senior citizens with private health insurance can also avail of this scheme.
5. However, senior citizens covered under 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), have to choose between their existing insurance scheme or the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

All eligible (mentioned-above) beneficiaries will be issued a distinct card to avail of the scheme. According to the government, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme is the world's largest publicly funded health insurance programme. It aims to serve close to 55 crore individuals and 12.34 crore families in India.

What All Is Covered By This Health Insurance?

Here is a list of benefits that Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance (PMJAY) will offer to the senior citizens:

1. Pre-hospitalization care: Up to three days before admission.
2. Medical examinations, treatment, and consultations.
3. Medicines and medical consumables.
4. Non-intensive and intensive care services (ICU care).
5. Diagnostic and laboratory investigations.
6. Medical implants, if necessary.
7. Accommodation and food services during hospitalization.
8. Complications arising during treatment.
9. Post-hospitalization follow-up care, up to 15 days after discharge.

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat PMJAY for Senior Citizens

Do you want to apply for the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY for Senior Citizens, but don't know how to? Here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Step 1: Visit the official website https://abdm.gov.in/
2. Step 2: The eligible person should get the Aadhaar card or ration card verified at a PMJAY kiosk
3. Step 3: Submit family identification proofs
4. Step 4: Get your e-card printed with a unique AB-PMJAY ID

You are now eligible and allowed to check and apply for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana coverage.

Reactions From the Industry Experts

Many industry experts lauded the government's decision. In an exclusive interaction with TheHealthSite.com, Dr Santy Sajan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Paras Health, said, "The government's decision to expand the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include senior citizens aged 70 and above is a commendable and much-needed step towards ensuring that our elderly population has access to essential healthcare services. As India's senior population grows, the demand for geriatric care is increasing, and this initiative is a timely response to that need. By providing comprehensive health coverage to our senior citizens, the scheme not only alleviates the financial burden on families but also reinforces the importance of accessible healthcare for all age groups. However, to make this expansion truly effective and sustainable, it is crucial that reimbursement rates under the scheme remain fair and that payments are made in a timely manner. This will help ensure that healthcare providers, especially smaller hospitals and clinics, can continue to participate actively and deliver the high-quality care that our elderly citizens deserve."