The Union Cabinet has approved Health Coverage for senior citizens of ₹5 lakh for aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Key Details of Expansion of Scheme:
Eligibility:
- All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible, regardless of income.
Benefits Offered:
- ₹5 lakh annual health cover provided on a family basis.
- An additional top-up of ₹5 lakh for senior citizens already under AB PM-JAY, specifically for personal healthcare.
Ease of Access:
- Distinct health cards will be issued to all eligible beneficiaries for easy access to the scheme’s benefits.
- Senior citizens with existing private health insurance or those covered under other public schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF must choose between their current plan and AB PM-JAY.
Expected Impact:
- The scheme is set to benefit about 6 crore senior citizens across the country.
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):
- Launch: February 2018.
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Coverage:
- World’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme.
- Provides ₹5 lakh coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
- Targets around 12 crore families or approximately 55 crore beneficiaries.
- Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses, including medicines and diagnostics.
- Has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women.
Key Schemes for Senior Citizens
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Focuses on improving the quality of life for senior citizens.
- Senior Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) Initiative: Promotes and incentivizes products and services aimed at senior care.
- Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) Portal: Connects senior citizens with job opportunities in the private sector.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?
It is a centrally sponsored health assurance scheme providing ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care.
How many families does AB PM-JAY aim to cover?
The scheme targets around 12 crore families, and approximately 55 crore beneficiaries.
Who is eligible for the expanded scheme?
All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible, irrespective of income.
What benefits does the scheme offer?
It provides a ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family, with an additional ₹5 lakh top-up for those already under AB PM-JAY.