In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare access for the elderly, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This landmark decision will benefit an estimated 4.5 crore families, covering six crore senior citizens across India, with a free health insurance plan providing coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually.

Expanded Healthcare Access for the Elderly

With this approval, all senior citizens aged 70 and above will be eligible to access healthcare benefits under the AB PM-JAY scheme, regardless of their socio-economic status. Those covered will receive a new, distinct card under the scheme to access healthcare services. Notably, seniors in families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will be eligible for an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year, which is exclusive to the elderly members and does not need to be shared with younger family members.

For seniors not previously enrolled in AB PM-JAY, the scheme offers ₹5 lakh per family on a yearly basis. Additionally, individuals in this age group who are currently benefitting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), can choose between their existing schemes or the new AB PM-JAY option. Moreover, those under private insurance or Employees' State Insurance (ESI) will also qualify for benefits under the scheme.

The World’s Largest Health Assurance Scheme

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance program, providing health coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore individuals from 12.34 crore families. Under the scheme, all eligible family members, regardless of age, are entitled to healthcare benefits. Since its launch, AB PM-JAY has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women, amounting to a public benefit of over ₹1 lakh crore.

Commitment to Expanding Healthcare Benefits

The expansion of health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expand the reach of AB PM-JAY. Initially, the scheme was designed to cover 10.74 crore vulnerable families, representing the bottom 40% of India’s population. However, in January 2022, the scheme was extended to 12 crore families in response to India’s population growth over the previous decade.

The government also extended coverage to 37 lakh frontline healthcare workers, including ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs, and their families. Now, with the inclusion of senior citizens aged 70 and above, AB PM-JAY continues to take significant strides toward universal healthcare access, offering free healthcare coverage to India’s elderly population.

This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens across the country receive the healthcare they need, without financial barriers.