Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

    Posted 13 Sep 2024

    2 min read

    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.

    Other Schemes for Senior Citizens:

    • Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: To improve the quality of life of senior citizens.
    • Senior Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative: To promote and incentivize senior care products and services.
    • Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity or SACRED portal: To connect senior citizens with job providers in the private sector.
    • Tags :
    • Health
    • Senior Care
    • Ayushman Bharat
    • AB PM-JAY
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