The government has taken a big step toward universal healthcare. It has expanded the Ayushman Bharat—Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to cover people aged 70 and above. This scheme is the world’s largest health insurance plan and offers free health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
Key Details About the Scheme
The AB-PMJAY is aimed at reducing healthcare costs, especially for the elderly. It helps families avoid high out-of-pocket expenses. The annual premium is affordable at Rs 1,102 per beneficiary, which includes Rs 50 for administrative costs. The government covers most of this cost, with the Centre paying 60% and the states funding the remaining 40%.
Why the Expansion is Crucial
Healthcare expenses in India can be overwhelming. Out-of-pocket costs make up around 70% of medical expenses. For elderly citizens, especially those in low-income households, this is a heavy burden. The scheme’s extension will ease this pressure and allow families to focus on care rather than costs.
Data shows that 20 million families and 30 million individuals will benefit from this change. This means a significant number of elderly people will now have access to affordable medical care.
Growing Number of Elderly in India
India’s elderly population is growing quickly. In the 2011 Census, 8.6% of the population (103 million people) were aged 60 and above. By 2050, this number is expected to double to 319 million. Estimates suggest that there are currently 55 million people aged 70 and above, across around 45 million families. The majority of this group is made up of women, with 54% being widows.
This growing demographic highlights the need for financial protection, especially in healthcare.
Who is Covered?
Anyone aged 70 and above is eligible. This includes people already enrolled in the AB-PMJAY. To join, beneficiaries need to apply through the Ayushman mobile app or the PMJAY portal. An Aadhaar card is required to verify their age. After registering, they will get coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year for their family. If there is more than one person aged 70 or above in a family, the coverage amount will be divided among them.
For Those Already Covered
Families with private insurance or those already covered under ESIC (Employees State Insurance Corporation) can also apply. Existing AB-PMJAY beneficiaries will receive an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh, specifically for those over the age of 70.
Immediate Coverage, No Waiting Period
One of the scheme’s advantages is that there is no waiting period. Beneficiaries can start using the benefits right after completing registration and eKYC. This ensures that healthcare is available when it’s needed most.
The Focus on Women
The expansion of the AB-PMJAY will greatly help elderly women. Data shows that 58% of people aged 70 and above are women, and 54% of them are widows. Many elderly women rely on family for financial support. This scheme will provide much-needed relief and help reduce the economic strain on households.
Not Entirely Free
While the scheme offers valuable financial protection, it is not completely free. Each beneficiary has to pay a premium of Rs 1,102 per year. This includes Rs 50 in administrative charges. The government covers a large portion of the cost, making it highly affordable for elderly individuals and their families.
No Delays, Immediate Benefits
There is no waiting or cooling-off period under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries can access healthcare benefits immediately after completing registration and eKYC.
Universal Healthcare Progress
The government’s decision to extend the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include people aged 70 and above is a significant step toward universal healthcare. It will help millions of elderly people access affordable healthcare and ease the burden of medical costs on families.
The scheme currently offers 25 health packages specifically for the elderly. With this expansion, 20 million additional families will gain access to the same benefits. This scheme is a game-changer for families who need financial support for medical emergencies.
Conclusion
The extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme will provide crucial financial protection to India’s elderly. With Rs 5 lakh coverage per family and affordable premiums, it offers a safety net for the most vulnerable. This expansion is a vital step in ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, especially those above the age of 70.
As India’s elderly population continues to grow, the Ayushman Bharat scheme will play a key role in ensuring their health and well-being.4o