World's largest health insurance scheme extends its benefits to millions of elderly citizens.

In a historic move aimed at ensuring better healthcare access for the elderly, the Union Cabinet has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). On September 11, 2024, it was announced that all senior citizens aged 70 and above will now be entitled to free health coverage under the scheme, regardless of their financial standing or socio-economic background. This extension is set to benefit around 6 crore senior citizens across India, offering them up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually in health coverage.

The expansion of Ayushman Bharat brings a renewed focus on providing healthcare security to India's aging population. With the introduction of a distinct Ayushman card for seniors, those covered under the scheme can now receive dedicated healthcare benefits. For families already part of AB PM-JAY, an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh per year will be provided exclusively for the senior members, ensuring that their healthcare needs are met without having to share coverage with younger family members.

This extension of the scheme will also include senior citizens who are not currently part of any Ayushman Bharat-covered family. They will now receive Rs 5 lakh in healthcare coverage annually on a family basis. For those already benefiting from public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), there will be an option to either continue with their existing scheme or shift to AB PM-JAY. Moreover, seniors covered by private health insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance scheme (ESI) will also be eligible for this new benefit.

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat has made significant strides in ensuring universal health coverage, especially for the rural and vulnerable sections of society. Designed to address primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare needs, the program provides a continuum of care that spans the entire healthcare spectrum. The initiative is made up of two key components—Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the health insurance scheme AB PM-JAY.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres, offer comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and curative care. As of September 2024, over 1.74 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country, bringing critical healthcare services closer to communities, especially in remote and underserved areas. By upgrading existing health centres and enhancing accessibility, these Mandirs play a vital role in India’s healthcare infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the AB PM-JAY insurance scheme has grown to become the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance initiative. With over 35.4 crore Ayushman cards issued, the scheme provides up to Rs 5 lakh in healthcare coverage per family annually for hospitalization and secondary or tertiary care. By September 2024, it had authorized over 7.79 crore hospital admissions, providing financial coverage worth Rs 1,07,125 crores. Initially covering 10.74 crore vulnerable families, the scheme has now expanded to include over 12 crore families across 33 states and Union Territories.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is another key development that has revolutionized healthcare access in India. Launched in 2021, it aims to establish a digital health ecosystem that integrates public and private healthcare sectors. This digital transformation has created 66.7 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) as of September 2024, enabling citizens to access their health records digitally and facilitating seamless interaction with healthcare providers. The digital mission also ensures continuity of care across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, particularly benefiting remote areas where access to specialist care can be limited.

To further its goal of universal healthcare, the government has also launched the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ campaign. This initiative is focused on ensuring that comprehensive healthcare services reach every village and town in India. Through a range of programs, including wellness sessions, teleconsultations, and free diagnostics, the campaign has made a significant impact on rural healthcare delivery. It has provided ante-natal care, immunization services, and mass health screenings for diseases such as tuberculosis, hypertension, and cancer, covering millions of people across the country.

With the latest expansion of Ayushman Bharat, the Indian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. By extending free health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, the government is ensuring that the nation’s elderly population receives the care and support they need, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in public health initiatives.