In a landmark move, the Union Cabinet has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover people aged 70 and above. This decision marks a significant transformation in India’s public healthcare system. The expansion will provide health insurance regardless of income, easing the financial burden on seniors who face increasing healthcare costs.
With the announcement, the government addresses the healthcare needs of a vulnerable population that often struggles to afford essential treatments and therapies.
WHY THIS MOVE IS CRUCIAL FOR SENIORS
Senior citizens have long faced challenges in securing affordable healthcare. Nearly every fourth patient admitted to hospitals under Ayushman Bharat is a senior citizen, highlighting the urgent need for this expanded coverage. With this new initiative, those aged 70 and above will receive essential health coverage, offering relief from high medical expenses.
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is especially vital given the economic struggles many seniors face. The rising cost of healthcare, combined with limited social security, leaves many elderly citizens without access to necessary treatments.
DELIVERING ON A KEY ELECTION PROMISE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced this health coverage expansion in April, as part of the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto. The inclusion of this promise was driven by public feedback, showing the government’s commitment to addressing citizens’ needs. This move is expected to positively impact millions of elderly citizens who require healthcare support but cannot afford traditional health insurance.
CHALLENGES FACED BY SENIORS IN SECURING HEALTH INSURANCE
Before this expansion, seniors over 70 found it difficult to get health insurance from private companies. Most insurance providers either refuse to cover this age group or charge exorbitant premiums that many cannot afford. Even when coverage is available, pre-existing condition clauses often delay necessary treatment by two to three years.
High Medical Costs for the Elderly
For seniors, medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Common ailments such as heart disease, kidney disorders, and respiratory conditions require costly treatments, often leaving families to bear the financial burden. Dialysis is the most common procedure claimed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, reflecting the needs of senior patients.
POST-COVID VULNERABILITIES OF THE ELDERLY
The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the health vulnerabilities of seniors. The immunity of people aged 70 and above has been severely compromised, making them more susceptible to serious illnesses. Many seniors now require costly treatments, which have strained family budgets.
With the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, seniors can now access care without having to worry about steep medical bills or high insurance premiums.
BENEFITS OF THE EXTENDED AB PM-JAY COVERAGE
Under the expanded scheme, senior citizens will receive additional health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually. This coverage is in addition to any existing policies that seniors may already have. Importantly, seniors do not have to share their health insurance benefits with other family members under 70. This ensures that their specific health needs are addressed without compromising the family’s overall coverage.
Seniors who are already enrolled in other public health insurance schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either continue with their existing coverage or switch to AB PM-JAY. Additionally, those covered under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) can also opt for the expanded Ayushman Bharat benefits.
A LOOK AT THE AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME
Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance program, providing coverage to over 55 crore people in India. The scheme offers a cover of ₹5 lakh per family each year, primarily for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
The extension of this program to citizens aged 70 and above ensures that India’s elderly population receives the care they need without the stress of overwhelming medical expenses.
The expansion of Ayushman Bharat marks a turning point in India’s approach to healthcare. By covering citizens over 70, the government is not only addressing the immediate healthcare needs of seniors but also setting a precedent for more inclusive healthcare policies in the future.
As India’s population continues to age, the demand for healthcare services will increase. This expansion provides a model for how the country can meet the needs of its elderly citizens, ensuring that they have access to affordable, quality care.
