New Delhi
The recent expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) to include individuals aged 70 and above has led to a rapid increase in enrollments among elderly beneficiaries. In just eleven days, nearly 6.5 lakh senior citizens have enrolled and received Ayushman cards. Kerala is leading the way, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Haryana.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, the PMJAY scheme provides free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. The recent extension allows those over 70 to avail themselves of health insurance services. This move has sparked widespread interest, with over 6 lakh new senior beneficiaries joining the scheme in a short time.
The scheme covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital treatments, surgeries, ICU care, consultations, and medicines. It aims to improve healthcare access for disadvantaged families, offering cashless treatment across a network of hospitals.
In September 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, regardless of their income. The Prime Minister also introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for seniors, guaranteeing them free hospital treatment.
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, benefiting over 55 crore individuals and covering more than 7 crore hospital admissions, including a significant number of women beneficiaries.
