Union Cabinet approved health cover for senior citizens under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

• Scheme is set to benefit about 6 crore senior citizens.

Details of expansion:

• Eligibility Criteria: All senior citizens aged 70 and above regardless of their income.
• Benefits offered: Senior citizens will receive a family-based cover of Rs. 5 lakh annually.
  • Those already covered by AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh annually, separate from their family’s existing cover.
• Ease of Access: Eligible senior citizens will be issued a distinct card.
• Senior citizens already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes may either choose their existing scheme or AB PM-JAY.
• Senior citizens under private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance schemes are also eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

About AB PM-JAY Scheme:

• Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ayushman Bharat Mission
• Target: 12 crore families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries)
• Purpose: To achieve the agenda of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Benefits: Providing health cover of Rs. 5 lakh/family/year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
• It is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme.