India approves health coverage for seniors aged 70 and above under AB PM-JAY

Eligible citizens will receive $6k (₹5 lakh) free health insurance coverage per year.

India has approved an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the approval aims to benefit about 45 million (4.5 crores) families with 60 million (6 crores) senior citizens with $6k (₹5 lakh) free health insurance cover on a family basis.

Under the new measures, those belonging to families already covered under the scheme will receive an additional top-up cover annually for themselves.

“All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to $6k (₹5 lakh) per year on a family basis,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, eligible candidates who are currently enrolled in other public health insurance schemes can choose to continue with their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY. 

Furthermore, those covered under private health insurance or the Employees' State Insurance scheme are also eligible for the benefits.

“The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY,” the ministry added.

₹1 = $0.012