Free Healthcare for Above 70 Years Citizens: ₹5 Lakh Additional Coverage Approved in Cabinet Meeting

the Union Cabinet of India made significant decisions during its meeting, including the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This initiative aims to provide health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family annually, benefiting approximately 4.5 crore families and around 6 crore senior citizens across the country.

Key Features of the Ayushman Bharat Expansion

The new provision ensures that all citizens aged 70 and above will be eligible for the benefits of the AB PM-JAY scheme. This coverage is significant as it includes individuals from all economic backgrounds, ensuring that no senior citizen is left without health insurance. The government will issue a new distinct card to eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to access the healthcare services provided under the scheme.

Additional Benefits for Existing Beneficiaries

For senior citizens already covered under the AB PM-JAY, there will be an additional shared top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year. This top-up is exclusive to the senior citizen and does not need to be shared with younger family members. This feature is designed to enhance the healthcare safety net for older adults, ensuring they have sufficient coverage for medical expenses.

Options for Those Under Other Health Schemes

Senior citizens who are currently benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), will have the option to either continue with their existing coverage or switch to the AB PM-JAY scheme. This flexibility allows seniors to choose the best option for their healthcare needs, ensuring they receive optimal benefits.

Government’s Commitment to Senior Citizens

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that this decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing comprehensive health coverage for senior citizens. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to improving healthcare access for the elderly population, which is often more vulnerable to health issues and requires more frequent medical attention.

Broader Implications of the Cabinet Meeting

In addition to the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Cabinet approved several other initiatives aimed at enhancing public infrastructure and services:

E-Bus Initiative

The Cabinet announced the implementation of the PM E-Bus Payment Security Mechanism, which will facilitate the operation of 38,000 electric buses across 169 cities. This initiative aims to reduce operational costs and pollution levels while promoting sustainable public transport solutions.

Rural Infrastructure Development

The government also approved the construction of 62,500 kilometers of new roads under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, with an investment of ₹70,125 crore. This initiative is expected to significantly improve connectivity in remote villages, enhancing access to essential services and economic opportunities.

Mission Mausam

A new initiative named Mission Mausam was launched, focusing on advanced weather data modeling and technology. With an investment of ₹2,000 crore, this mission aims to provide accurate weather information, which is crucial for agriculture and disaster management, thereby supporting farmers and rural communities.