## Ayushman Bharat Yojana Expanded: Free Healthcare for All Senior Citizens Above 70
The Narendra Modi Government has taken a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of India’s elderly population by expanding the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Now, all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income, are eligible for free healthcare coverage under the scheme.
This expansion, approved by the Union Cabinet in September, is a welcome addition to the existing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Under this new provision, senior citizens will receive a separate health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year, separate from the existing family scheme. This means that they can access this coverage independently, without having to share it with family members under 70 years of age.
How it works:
*
Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:
Senior citizens eligible for this scheme will be issued an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, granting them access to free treatment at empanelled hospitals across the country.*
Cashless Treatment:
The PM-JAY scheme provides cashless access to healthcare services at the point of service, meaning that senior citizens can receive treatment without having to pay upfront. All pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.*
National Coverage:
The benefits of the scheme are portable across India. This means that a beneficiary can avail cashless treatment at any empanelled public or private hospital in the country.*
Public Hospital Reimbursement:
Public hospitals are reimbursed for the healthcare services provided to beneficiaries at par with private hospitals.Empanelled Hospitals:
To find a list of empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, you can click on the following link:
[https://nha.gov.in/img/resources/PMJAY-Hospital-List.pdf](https://nha.gov.in/img/resources/PMJAY-Hospital-List.pdf)
Existing Schemes:
Individuals already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
Services Covered:
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana covers approximately 1,929 procedures, including all costs related to treatment such as:
* Drugs and supplies
* Diagnostic services
* Physician’s fees
* Room charges
* Surgeon charges
* OT and ICU charges
Financial Coverage:
PM-JAY provides cashless cover of up to Rs 5,00,000 to each eligible family per annum for listed secondary and tertiary care conditions. This comprehensive cover includes all expenses incurred on the treatment, ensuring that senior citizens receive complete healthcare support without financial burden.
Stay Informed:
For the latest updates and information on the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, be sure to stay informed by visiting reputable news sources and official government websites. This scheme represents a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of senior citizens in India, providing them with access to quality healthcare services and a secure future.
