AB-PMJAY: The Indian government is preparing to give another big gift to all the elderly people above 70 years of age

AB-PMJAY: The central government led by Narendra Modi is getting ready to provide a massive gift to every senior citizen in the nation who is older than 70. Let us inform you that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) would provide coverage for all senior citizens over the age of 70, as announced recently by the national government. The NHA is now evaluating whether additional health packages for the elderly should be included in this program. According to official sources, the enlarged plan may begin by the end of this month. About 4.5 crore households nationwide, or 6 crore senior persons, would benefit from this government program.

Considering the addition of old age care packages

According to a source, “The committee that decides on the health benefits package under the scheme is deliberating on the need to add more health packages, which are specifically related to old age care, because with the launch of the scheme, the number of such beneficiaries will increase.” There are now 1,949 medical treatments covered by this program in 27 medical disciplines, including cardiology, general medicine, surgery, and cancer. The recipients get free hospital services, including prescription drugs (including 15 days of medication after hospital release), diagnostic testing (up to three days before to admission), food, and lodging.

Everybody over 70 would get free health insurance for Rs. 5 lakh.

This program will cover every senior citizen over the age of 70 in the nation, regardless of their financial status. Everybody who is 70 years of age or older would be entitled for an Ayushman card under this system, as well as free medical care at any listed hospital up to Rs 5 lakh. Except for Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal, all states and union territories are now implementing the system, which would empanelle 29,648 hospitals by September 1, 2024, including 12,696 private hospitals.

What must those who are already covered do?

According to the source, “People who already have Ayushman cards will have to re-apply for a new card and complete their eKYC again.” Individuals who are 70 years of age or older, as well as family members who are now covered by the program, would get an extra top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for themselves; they won’t have to share this benefit with other family members who are under 70.

What choices are available to those who want to use other schemes?

On the other hand, those who are currently enrolled in another government health insurance program, such as the Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), may choose to enroll in AB-PMJAY or stay with their current plan.