Union Cabinet expands the Ayushman Bharat health scheme to cover citizens aged 70 and above

Union Cabinet Broadens Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Cover Senior Citizens Over 70

The Union Cabinet has officially approved an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), extending health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above. This move promises to bolster healthcare access for approximately 13.8 million people in this age bracket, regardless of their income levels.

The expansion is a significant step towards universal healthcare coverage, offering up to Rs 5 lakh in health benefits annually per family. This increased coverage under the AB PM-JAY aims to provide easier access to essential services for senior citizens, thereby reducing the financial burden of medical expenses for elderly individuals and their families.

This decision by the Union Cabinet reflects a broader commitment to improving healthcare accessibility nationwide, particularly for vulnerable segments of the population. The scheme’s benefits will include cashless and paperless access to health services across public and private hospitals that are empaneled with AB PM-JAY.

In addition to healthcare improvements, the Cabinet session also addressed development in other sectors, such as approving initiatives to boost the hydropower sector. This multifaceted approach indicates a concerted effort by the government to drive forward not just health reforms, but broader economic and infrastructure advancements.

By addressing healthcare inequalities and ensuring medical security for senior citizens, the government is taking a pivotal step towards enhancing the quality of life and well-being of its aging population. Citizens can expect the rollout of this expanded coverage to provide more robust support and improve access to necessary medical care without financial strain.